Wheaton Academy vs. Chicago South Shore (WA Thanksgiving Invitational) Monday, November 19, 2007 at 7:30 PM ct
		1 2 3 4 T FINAL WA 17   11   17   23   68 SS 11   13   21   15   60
	68		60

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Warriors Open up season with win

Posted on 11.19.07 at 11:32 PM
Updated on 11.20.07 at 12:23 PM

The Wheaton Academy varsity boys basketball team began their 2007-2008 campaign on Monday night in their own gymnasium. The first annual varsity WA Thanksgiving Invite which is comprised of five teams (Wheaton Academy, Wheaton-Warrenville South, Streamwood, Chicago Collins, and Chicago South Shore) will be played all week this week at Wheaton Academy (full schedule), with the exception of Thursday (Thanksgiving Day).

The Warriors knew nothing about their opponent going into Monday night's game. Nevertheless, propelled by a sizable WA student cheering section, the Warriors got off to a strong, confident start which was in large part due to senior Jason Roy's (12 points) contribution of three of his four three point baskets coming in the first quarter. WA led after the first quarter 17-11.

After jumping to a 30-15 lead, a temporarily passive Warrior team allowed South Shore's penetration and scrappiness to edge their way back into the game. Tim Rusthoven (15 points) showed signs of life in the second quarter after battling against South Shore's unremitting defensive pressure. Rusthoven grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds for the night in addittion to blocking 5 shots and going 4-for-7 from the free throw line. At the half, the Warriors' 15 point lead was down to just four, 28-24.

Paul Werkema (13 points) stepped up for WA in the second half, widening the gap with strong drives to the basket and knocking down 6 free throws. Free throws ended up being a valuable way of securing the 68-60 win down the stretch. Benjamin Euler (25 points) converted on 3 three pointers in addition to scoring 8 off of free throws to push Wheaton Academy to a victory, despite entering the final quarter tied at 45.

The Warriors stand at 1-0 on the season and will be in action on Tuesday night against Streamwood. Streamwood defeated WA last season in a bitter 59-48 decision at Streamwood.

In Other Tournament Action Today:
Wheaton-Warrenville South defeated Chicago Collins