Boys Basketball: Mike Wisz shoots Lemont past TF North

Updated: February 9, 2012 9:34PM

Coming off the bench in the first quarter of Thursday’s game, Lemont’s Mike Wisz drilled a jumper from long range.

The shot was ruled a two-point field goal with the sophomore’s toe on the three-point line.

As for the rest of the game, Wisz made sure he was beyond the arc, drilling six three-pointers on his way to a game-high 20 points in host Lemont’s 47-42 South Suburban Blue win over T.F. North.

“It was definitely one of those shooting rhythms,” Wisz said. “I felt it and just kept shooting it. Coming off the bench, we work as a team, and that’s how it has been all year. We’re working as one.”

Joe Hehir added 12 points off the bench for Lemont (20-2, 10-1). The Indians received 36 bench points and shot 9 of 18 from three-point range overall, Wisz hitting 6 of 7. Lemont was without second leading scorer Paulius Otruskevicius, and leading scorer Juozas Balciunnas only scored seven points.

“Our bench has played really well all year, and that’s one of our strengths,” Lemont coach Rick Runaas said. “Joe and Mike gave us more than just a spark tonight.”

Hitting four first half shots from distance, Wisz helped Lemont race to a 30-15 halftime lead. T.F. North chipped away and pulled to within four points at 37-33 in the fourth.

Matt Lipowski hit two free throws for Lemont in response, Wisz adding his fifth three-pointer. With under four minutes to go, the sophomore hit his sixth and was fouled on the play in the corner.

“I didn’t really see the defender,” Wisz said. “I was focused on the basket trying to make that shot.”

Wisz’s two three-pointers were the only Lemont field goals in the quarter, turning the tide for the Indians.

Nicholas Wood (14 points) and Kayode Amoran (11) led T.F. North (8-15, 5-6) who shot just 14-of-39 from the field overall.

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