Sports
VIDEO: Nix, Nader Lead Niles North to Regional Title Game
Sophomore Malachi Nix and senior Adbel Nader combine for 43 points in Vikings regional semifinal win over Lake Park
Final Score: Lake Park 51 Niles North 57
Records: Lake Park (13-15) Niles North (21-6)
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Key Players: Senior Abdel Nader scored 14 of his team-high 22 points in the third quarter. Sophomore Malachi Nix also scored 10 of his 21 points in the third. Senior John King also chipped in five points for the Vikings. Lake Park junior Dominique Spencer led all scorers with 23 points. Junior Dave Prentis also chipped in 13 points while senior Eric Eichholz scored seven for the Lancers.
Key Stat: The 4th seeded Vikings shot just 24% from the field in the first half and trailed 24-18 at halftime. However, in the first 3:55 of the third quarter, they went on an 18-4 run that gave them 36-28 lead. Niles North would not trail the rest of the game. They outscored Lake Park 27-9 in the third quarter. Nix and Nader combined to score 24 of those 27 points.
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Quote of the night: Niles North Head Coach Glenn Olson on his team's second half turnaround - "They were really called out at halftime and challenged. I basically just said, hey guys, you're a bunch of seniors and this is your basketball team. They responded and they took over. So I'm very pleased with the guys in that aspect."
What's Next: CSL North conference co-champions Niles North and Glenbrook North will face off in the regional championship game Friday night at Glenbrook North High School. Those two teams split a pair of games in the regular season and both finished 8-2 in conference play.
Highlights: For a complete game recap and post game reaction, click on the video link above.