Lyons Boys Basketball Clinches Conference Title

Two days after a comfortable 21 point victory over Downers Grove North, duplicated its dominance with a 71-52 win over Oak Park-River Forest on senior night.

The result keeps Lyons’ (19-2, 10-0) flawless conference record in tact and clinches the West Suburban Silver Conference championship.

“Conference is clinched and it feels great,” senior forward Nick Burt said. “But, we still have some goals left and would love to finish perfect in conference.”

In locking up the conference officially, the Lions—ranked No. 13 by the Chicago Tribune—accomplish a large preseason goal, and they and additionally do so on an evening typically considered special for all senior players.

“I think it’s all gone really fast, but it’s been a great ride,” senior point guard Mark Sewall said. “We have been really successful and hopefully we can keep this momentum into the playoffs.”

Sewall added that the squad’s focus wouldn’t be shaken, despite having claimed the conference title with four games remaining in its season.

“Clinching conference was big,” Sewall said. “Still, we’re [only] looking forward and taking games one by one.”

After the first period ended close at 17-14, the Lions extended their three point advantage to 33-26 going into halftime.

Midway through the third quarter, though, the hosts had broken the game open with a double-digit lead and didn’t look back.

By the fourth quarter, the result had been solidified as Lyons’ persistent defense and maintenance culminated in a standing ovation for senior starters as the clock winded down.

“It just seems like it all went by so fast,” Burt said. “It definitely hasn’t hit me yet. It makes me think about how great the support of the LT fan base has been.”

LT senior Nick Zeisloft scored 14 points to lead the home side, while seniors Sewall and Spencer Mahoney each contributed 12.

Oak Park big-man Gabe Levin was the lone bright spot for the Huskies, leading the team with 16 points on the night.

Lyons next faces non-conference side Hinsdale South Tuesday evening before traveling to arch-rival Hinsdale Central on Friday night.

And rather than settling with what’s been achieved and resting players prior to the postseason, Burt claimed the newly crowned champs will remain competitive in their remaining matchups.

“We’re still very motivated [despite having clinched conference],” Burt said. “We want to head into playoffs in the best form that we can, so we need to come out strong these next four games.”