Boys Basketball: Andrew McAuliffe leads Glenbrook North past Niles West

Updated: November 23, 2011 7:56PM

Andrew McAuliffe attracts so much attention in the post that Glenbrook North needs to be to be able to stretch the court as much as possible to give the 6-foot-8 junior room to maneuver.

That’s what the Spartans did Wednesday in their 67-39 win over Hersey at Niles West’s holiday tournament.

McAuliffe finished with a game-high 24 points, but he was freed up because of players like Kurt Karis. The junior guard scored 19 and constantly reminded the Huskies they can’t crowd McAuliffe without consequences.

“Andrew’s a big presence, so us hitting threes will be huge,” said Karis, who knocked down three three-pointers in the win. “It will make teams stop collapsing on him.”

Karis sparked the Spartans (2-0) on an 11-0 run to end the first half and give them a 32-16 lead at the break. He scored seven points during the stretch, while McAuliffe added the other four points.

“He got us going offensively a bit there,” Glenbrook North coach Dave Weber said Karis. “That stretch was good for us. We picked up the intensity.”

Karis continued his inspired play in the third quarter. He started with a steal and layup to leave the score 40-22. Karis then assisted on Glenbrook North’s final three baskets of the quarter to send the Spartans into the fourth ahead 46-24.

“Last year, I was a spark off the bench,” he said. “This year, I am contributing throughout the game. I just try hard to get the ball to Andrew.”

Mark Johnson was another player to score in double figures for Glenbrook North, finishing with 12 points.

Hersey (0-2) was led by Justin Jobski, who scored 12.

The Spartans, who beat Class 2A defending champion Hales Franciscan in the opener Monday, play Lake Forest on Friday. The Huskies play Kelly the day after Thanksgiving.

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