The Jean Walker Field House was packed on Friday night for the boys’ basketball team’s home opener against division rival Buffalo

Grove. They led the entire game except for the opening two minutes of the second quarter when Buffalo Grove led by 4. They won the game 64-60.
“This was a big win against Buffalo Grove, in a big MSL East game, and it’s a great way for us to kick off the season,” head coach John Camardella  said. “It may not have looked great out there but we will take a win no matter what.”
The Knights got great contributions from seniors Jack Redding, who had 13 points and 9 rebounds and Joe LaTulip, who had 17 points. But sophomore Mike LaTulip, making his first varsity start, came up big with 20 points.
“It was really a great feeling getting to start tonight,” Mike said. “I was a little nervous at the start, but playing at [St. Patrick’s] last weekend gave me a lot of experience and I was ready for this tonight.”
“I am really proud of him right now,” Camardella said. “He has been playing great so far, but there is still a lot ahead of him.”
Camardella was happy with the way his team played offensively.
“We ran our plays and executed them well and we really got out on the break,” Camardella said. “That led to a lot of points for us and helped us take the lead.”
“We kept the game at our tempo all game long,” Redding said. “We didn’t let them force us to play their game. Controlling the tempo is key and we did that which helped us win the game.”
This was an extremely physical game. There were lots of fouls called and it was really tough to rebound the basketball.”
“Buffalo Grove is like a football team out there,” Mike said. “They are big and strong and like to be physical, but you have to stay calm and keep your balance.”
Camardella really wanted to see was a better effort on the boards.
“We gave up a total of 10 offensive rebounds in the second half, and that can’t happen,” Camardella said. “But we learned our lesson with a win.”
For a complete schedule, more pictures and more stats, visit the boys’ basketball program’s own website.