Boys Basketball: Oak Lawn Edges Shepard in Regular-Season Finale

The Hot Read: Oak Lawn converted 4-of-8 free throws in the final seconds of a 67-61 boys basketball victory over Shepard on Friday night. The Spartans built a slim lead in the early going, using a 6-0 second-quarter run to take a 29-26 lead at half. Jake Campbell scored all of his seven points in the second quarter. The game remained tight to the end. Oak Lawn won the battle at the free-throw line in the fourth quarter. With 56.3 seconds left, Shepard's Kevin Rathbun scored to cut the Spartan lead to 63-61. But Oak Lawn closed out the win at the line.

Patch’s MVP: The Spartans’ Jon Matthews. He scored 11 of his 12 points in the second half.

Key Stats: The Astros ran into foul trouble in the second half. Martece Weatherspoon fouled out with 5:17 left, Dionte Hart with 17.7 left and Jarrett Foster with 5.9 left.

Oak Lawn Leaders: Leon Reed (13 points), Jon Matthews (12 points), Colin Altenburg (12 points).

Shepard Leaders: Jarrett Foster (13 points), Dionte Hart (13 points), Kevin Rathbun (11 points).

Quotable I: “For the last month and a half, we have been playing great ball with balanced defense and offence," Oak Lawn coach Scott Atkins said. "We finished 7-6 in the South Suburban Conference. We were 5-1 in the Red, but only 2-5 in the crossovers with the Blue. Playoffs start now, so it’s a new season."

Quotable II:  “Oak Lawn did a nice job tonight," Shepard coach Tony Chiuccarieloo said. "They did a nice job of seeing the floor and adjusting to our pressure defense. Jarrett Foster and Dionte Hart had good games before they fouled out. It's time for the playoffs on Monday. We will be ready."

Team Records: Oak Lawn closes out the regular season at 14-11 and 7-6 in the South Suburban Red. Shepard is 12-14 and 7-6.

What’s Next: Oak Lawn faces Argo at 6 p.m. on Monday in the Class 4A St. Rita Regional. Shepard faces Lincoln-Way North at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Lincoln-Way North Regional.