Game #25 ~ Friday, February 18, 2005 ~ West Chicago, IL ~ 7:30 PM

Listen to the audio broadcast of the game

On senior night, in front of a standing-room only crowd, the Warriors came ready to play. The team's overall intensity was at a level that had yet to be seen all year. The Warriors started off well, though turning the ball over more than they would have liked to. Wheaton Academy led by two points at the end of the first quarter.

WA picked up momentum in the second quarter, at one point taking a substantial lead. Mark Aloisio and Bryan Aldridge were all over the offensive and defensive boards, combining for 11 first half rebounds. Aloisio started to heat up, scoring 11 points in the first half. Aurora Christian went on a run to close out the 1st half, with three steals, and a layup to bring them to just a 30-28 disadvantage at the half.

Jason VanderVeen (5 assists, 5 steals) hit 3 three-pointers (two back-to-back), in the third quarter to increase Wheaton Academy's lead. The Eagles battled back and stayed in the game, behind point guard James Harrall (21 pts), and center Smith (8 pts). Wheaton Academy headed into the final period of play with a four point, 49-45 lead.

The Warriors earned a 65-50 lead midway through the quarter, and kept it that way, until the remaining 2:00, when Aurora started to make a run, and bring to within six points at one point. Wheaton Academy hit their free throws (15/20 - 75%), which secured the victory in the last regular season game on their home floor. The team shot 45.5% from three point range (5/11), and an exceptional 53.7% from the field (21/42). Mark Aloisio led the team with his season-high 24 points, and 9 rebounds. Bryan Aldridge, who started tonight in Jeremy Parker's absence, scored his season-high 11 points, and also grabbed 9 rebounds. Jason VanderVeen shot 75% from behind the arc, connecting on 3 of 4 three point attempts and totalling 13 points. Axel Cerny scored 9, John Tillery scored 6, and senior guard Caleb Stewart added 5 points.

Next Tuesday will begin Wheaton Academy's regional play. The Warriors are set to face a team that they defeated a week ago, Montini Catholic High School at 7:30 PM at Lisle Sr. High in Lisle [Regional Information].