CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
St. Viator 48 – Glenbard East 32
In Plainfield, IL (Sept 16-17): Jeremiah Hernandez and Peter Lambesis tallied 14 points apiece as St. Viator defeated a surprising Glenbard East squad in the Final of ISL Fall Classic. Both teams played well through-out the two-day event surprising most observers with their quality team play. Viator beat a really good Oak-Park team in the semi-finals capping 6-0 finish. While East upset 2A power Hope Academy in the other semi-final contest. Hope stand-out guard Javion May was saddled with a leg injury so he did not perform. St. Viator’s cruised through pool play behind sparkling performances from Co-MVPs – Jerry Hernandez and Trey Calvin, the junior tandem provided a potent scoring duo throughout the event. Senior swingman Peter Lambesis was one of surprises at the event. The six foot four lefty was lethal; he demonstrated athleticism by finishing at the rim. He knocked-down shots consistently and displayed precision with heady floor play. Ivy League and Patriot schools should pay him a visit quickly. He’s definitely a division one talent and someone to follow this season. Hernandez validated his status as a Top 15-20 prospect in the state’s 2019 Class. He demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to score in a variety of ways when needed. Trey Calvin is a sleeper type in the “19” Class, was un-assuming threat with silky-smooth skills. He’s very talented and poise with good speed & quickness and a penchant for big play moments. In addition, he knows how to play. Glenbard East has a bright future and it all starts with un-heralded (2020) guards, DaRon Hall and Alijah Nelson. The pair was terrific all weekend. The both of them can be innovative in the open floor. And the plus part is that they take care of the ball and don’t commit costly miscues. Hall had 19 markers in the final, while senior James Peterkin went for 11 points and 10 boards. Hall and Nelson are two players to watch in our promising 2020 Class, as well as Viator Sophomore guard Connor Kochera who did his thing in the shadows of his mates through-out the tournament. This was our second official year hosting the classic in which we honor my friend and former Illinois Coach Wayne McClain, a Peoria native. I will always remember his laughter & passion for the game. As well as our many conversations regarding basketball in our state and our life experiences. His voice of reasoning is always in my thoughts!
There are some areas with this event I will address and tighten in moving forward. I’m always looking for ways of improving while assisting our area coaches in helping them provide a positive environment where they can evaluate their program in a reflective, positive way. Special thanks to the Plainfield Central Staff. I am extremely proud of our lengthy relationship we have built over the course of twenty plus years. I consider Principle Dave Stephens a close friend who was once boys varsity Coach at Plainfield Central, then Athletic Director, and now Principle. Newly appointed Head Coach, Greg Bayer has stardom scripted all over him. His energy and spirit reminds me so much of Dave during his early tenure in the 90s. Greg actually played for Dave in the early to mid 2000s. I thank them for all their support.
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