Glenbrook South’s Dylan Morse drives to the hoop in regional quarterfinal at Maine West. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
It wasn’t the best of endings.
But Glenbrook South did receive some solid play from a couple of its “kids.”
Sophomore Gavin Morse came up with an 11-point performance in GBS’s 70-47 setback to host Maine West in a Class 4A regional quarterfinal on Feb. 27.
“I thought Gavin played real hard,” said GBS head coach Ben Widner. “He’s a competitor. That’s who he is.”
Morse played well on both ends of the court. He took two charges.
Freshman Dom Martinelli tallied nine points and pulled down two rebounds.
The Titans have high hopes for their first-year varsity player. He’s got good bloodlines. The 6-foot-2 forward is the brother of ex-GBS star Jimmy Martinelli.
Big brother, who plays for New York University, was just named Rookie of the Year in the University Athletic Conference (UAA). The freshman made 25 starts and ended up averaging 8.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game for the Violets.
Meanwhile, star Matt Giannakopoulous played his final game for the Titans (9-18). The 6-5 senior guard/forward had a rare “off” night: 6 points, 5 rebounds.
The team’s other senior starters included George Arvanitis and Chase Thomas.
Thomas finished with eight points and two rebounds, while Arvanitis came up with the play of the night.
With 2:00 left in the second quarter, Arvanitis made a steal, raced downcourt and threw a slick behind-the-back pass to set up a layup for Martinelli.
Plays like that helped the Titans to stay close — for a while. They trailed 36-25 at halftime.
But the game got away from GBS in the third quarter. Maine West opened the frame with a 7-0 run and then went on 15-2 run later in the period. With eight minutes left to play, the Warriors held a 25-point advantage, 63-38.
“I thought we were ready to play,” said Widner. “They kind of steamrolled us.”
Maine West finished with 11 three-pointers — all in the first three quarters.
“We left them open,” Widner said. “Frustrating. Yes, frustrating.”
Chase Thomas of the Titans puts up a shot against Maine West. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
Dylan Morse gets a shot off inside. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
Dom Martinelli eyes the hoop during a free throw attempt. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
Chase Thomas (right) goes for the block against Maine West’s Randy Kent. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
George Arvanitis (No. 10) drives to the bucket. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER