Extra Points: Oak Lawn's Reed Proud of His Time with the Spartans

For Oak Lawn senior forward Leon Reed, the boys basketball season was about one thing--his second family. And, although the season didn't end quite how he would have liked it to--the Spartans dropped a 71-46 decision to Mt. Carmel on Tuesday in play at the Class 4A St. Rita Regional--he said he was happy to have shared the ride with his new teammates.

"It was a good season," Reed said. "I came to a new school and met a good coach and made a new family. I had a lot of fun this season."

Reed led the Spartans with 11 points and nine rebounds against Mt. Carmel. The Spartans trailed 41-15 at halftime and waged an uphill battle the rest of the way. But, despite the score, Reed said he brought his 'A' game into the second half.

"In the first half, I realized I was going hard enough," he said. "So, in the second half, I said told myself that I had to work harder for my teammates. So, that inspired me to play."

Although Reed's senior season is over, Spartans coach Scott Atkins said Reed left a lasting impression during his time in the program. He transferred to Oak Lawn just in time for his last hurrah.

"Leon (Reed) has been great all year," Atkins said. "He's full of energy all the time, and he's got a nose for the ball. He's really brought a lot to the table for our team and he's been great to coach."

Team Trivia: The Spartans won 15 games this season, a feat that has not been accomplished at Oak Lawn since 1986.

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