Boys Basketball: Evanston holds off Saints despite Stephens’ big game
BY MIKE BUDA Contributor February 11, 2012 11:02PM
Evanston athletic director Chris Livitano (left), St. Charles East assistant coach Everette Stephens and Evanston coach Mike Ellis pose before Saturday's game. Stephens was a former standout at Evanston. | Stacia Timonere~For Sun-Times Media
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Updated: March 17, 2012 8:08AM
The crowd inside Beardsley Gym witnessed an eerie sight Saturday night with resemblances to 30 years ago.
That was because St. Charles East junior forward Kendall Stephens lit up the scoreboard in a 60-53 loss to Evanston after watching his father, Everette, being honored during the pregame festivities.
Former Wildkits basketball star Everette Stephens was blindsided by the whole event.
“It’s nice that they’re able to recognize someone who’s come through the ranks and did well,” said Stephens. “It’s inspiring to those younger players and that’s what it’s all about.”
After playing at Evanston, Stephens moved on to Purdue and had short stints with the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks before arriving at his current position as an assistant coach for St. Charles East.
But it was Kendall who almost stole the show on his father’s old stomping grounds as he tallied 22 points.
“(I was really pumped up) because of family members being in the stands and playing in the gym that my dad played at,” said Kendall Stephens. “It’s about tradition and it was a great place to play in front of my grandma, who doesn’t get out much so it was great to have a game really close to her house.”
Kendall would have been successful in ruining the seniors’ final game at home if not for the defensive effort of senior forward Leonard Garron, who finished with 16 points and eight boards.
Following an impressive win over New Trier, Evanston (16-9, 5-4 CSL) celebrated senior night with a well-deserved victory over the Fighting Saints (12-10).
“Tonight was senior night and our last night in these jerseys and we basically felt that we had to leave with a bang,” said senior forward Terrell Farmby.
The first half was evenly contested even with Wildkits head coach Mike Ellis inserting his second line of players for a section of the opening 16 minutes.
Evanston had difficulties stopping sophomore guard Dominic Adduci along with Stephens.
The two combined for 19 of the team’s 27 first half points and guided St. Charles East to a two point lead at the break.
Garron led Evanston with eight points at the half.
The contest remained tight throughout the second half, but with just over three minutes remaining, it was Farmby along with senior guards Josh Irving and Jordan Perrin who closed it out with key buckets and free throws.
Farmby ended with eight points and eight rebounds. Irving closed out with 11 points and Perrin finished with 16 points.
Adduci finished the loss with 13 points, three boards and three steals.
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