Boys Basketball: Niles North’s gritty effort produces last-second win over Glenbrook North

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Updated: February 27, 2012 8:32AM

The Niles North boys basketball team that traveled to Glenbrook North Friday barely resembled the Vikings squad that had lost to the Spartans by 28 points on Dec. 6.

Since that 67-39 defeat, the young Vikings had grown up and regained the services of one of their best players, senior Mychael Henley.

North brought a seven-game winning streak to Northbrook for the rematch. But, in the first half it looked as if little had changed.

Niles North shot poorly, did not get back on defense and trailed 29-18 at the break to a GBN team playing without star center Andrew McAuliffe, who was injured.

The second half was a different story, however. Led by the aggressive play of senior B.J. Beckford (14 points) and the perimeter skills of star junior Malachi Nix (19 points), Niles North stormed back, briefly taking a third-quarter lead.

The game went down to the wire. When Nix’s potential game-winning 35-foot three-pointer fell short, Niles North junior Billy Voitik was there to collect the rebound, spin and lay the ball in as time expired, giving the Vikings a dramatic 56-54 win.

Niles North (4-2 CSL North) pulled into a first-place tie with Glenbrook North and Highland Park atop the conference.

“We had some poor possessions (in the first half) and played poor transition defense,” Niles North head coach Glenn Olson said. “We took quick shots and needed to get the ball to the hoop. We were an easy team to defend in the first half. Once we started attacking, we scored 23 points in the third quarter.”

Beckford reached the basket and the free-throw line repeatedly in the third to carry Niles North to a 41-40 cushion late in the frame.

The contest went back and forth in the final quarter, before the Vikings squandered chances to put it away with some late free throws. Glenbrook North’s Jason Markus hit a three-pointer with eight seconds remaining to tie the score 54-54.

The visitors did not call a timeout, and it was clear Nix would be the man to take the final shot. His 35-foot look was not a great one, but Voitik (who missed time over the holiday with broken ribs) was there to be the hero.

“Nobody works harder than Billy Voitik,” said Olson. “It’s not just on game day that he’s diving for loose balls. It’s legitimate hard work and toughness. He loves it and prides himself on that. He’s relentless.

“When he makes a play (like the game-winner on Friday), some people say it’s luck. But we know luck is about preparation. There is not a ball that goes up that he doesn’t want to rebound. There is not a ball on the floor he doesn’t want to get. We are glad we have Billy Voitik.”

The following evening, the Vikings improved to 14-5 overall with a 65-41 win over Mather. Niles North showed no signs of a letdown as they took a 40-11 lead into halftime.

“We had a real intense game Friday and we wanted to bring the same intensity. We wanted to pressure them,” Olson said. “Mather does not have a great record, but they have kids who can play and they play a good schedule. I was pleased with our business-like approach.”

Henley led the Vikings with 13 points and Nix chipped in 12. In a game where 10 Vikings scored and everybody played significant minutes, Olson said he was pleased with the performances of junior Sabir Ahamed and senior Ali Rafiq. The coach said senior Jaylen White continues to give the team strong defense.

On Jan. 17, Beckford scored 23 in a 63-44 win over Leyden.

“It was a great game for us,” said Olson, whose team trailed 8-0 early. “We really clamped down and got our transition defense going. Nix only had 10 points and Henley didn’t have his best night. So, for us to beat a good team by 19 was great.”

The Vikings host Highland Park at 7:30 p.m. Friday