Posted on Saturday, December 03, 2005 at 12:08 AM

A packed LeTourneau Gymnasium, home-court advantage, and intense PSL competition were among some of the things that Wheaton Academy had going for them as they entered Friday night's game against the Illiana Christian Vikings. The Warriors channeled that excitement and energy created by the home crowd directly into defensive intensity. Defense is what defined WA's play tonight, especially early in the first half where Wheaton Academy forced Illiana to throw up some off-balance shots, get the rebound and push the ball down the court. WA took a 10-7 lead in the first quarter and closed out the first half tied 21-21.

The Warriors maintained a small lead throughout the third quarter, never really going on an offensive run, but managed a 4-point lead which they kept even with under four minutes left in the game. Four straight free throws by John Albaugh extended WA's lead, but an Illiana run evened the score off of a free throw, and then took the lead 47-45 with 31 second left to go. The Warriors ended up with the ball on the opposite end of the court with 6 seconds left. Jason VanderVeen penetrated and dished out to John Tillery who had a decent but pressured look at a shot which hit the front iron. All in all, this game was a team effort for the Warriors, who played as a unit rather than individuals. Scoring reflects this as eight WA players scored, with Jeremy Parker (10 pts) and Jason VanderVeen (9 pts) at the top of the list.

The loss comes as a disappointment, especially with Wheaton Academy seemingly having control of this game from the start. The team drops to a misleading 0-5 record, and will have the entirety of next week before they face Westminster Christian on Friday night in Elgin, followed by the Lisle Shootout on the next day, Saturday.