Lane and Lake Forest were in need of a nice, pick-me-up victories last weekend.
Both came into the season with high internal expectations, but both were 5-5 in their last 10 games. Over the weekend, both earned quality wins that could be a springboard -going forward.
Lane had fallen short in its biggest tests — all against highly ranked teams — but came through with an impressive 60-47 victory against New Trier on Saturday at Northwestern’s Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Coach Nick LoGalbo’s team is as big as any team in the state with 6-9 Dalton Scantlebury, 6-8 Zach Mazanowski, 6-7 Matt Szafnoi, 6-5 Luka Pinto and 6-4 Drew Bartolai.
Scantlebury, the team’s top player and an Ivy League recruit, wants to do some special things for his program before he heads off to Penn.
“It means a lot to put Lane Tech on the map basketball-wise, because Lane has done so much for me and has helped me so much in becoming the person that I am,” Scantlebury said. “So to be able to help Lane in any way is great. Lane has had trouble getting talent over the years, players going to other CPS schools or private schools. To be able to represent Lane Tech is an honor and a blessing.”
Scantlebury has a grasp of city basketball history. He’s well-versed in Public League greats of the past and appreciates the opportunity to be playing in the same league as those former stars.
“I am so grateful to play in the Chicago Public League with all the history of this league,” Scantlebury said. “I remember watching highlights on YouTube of Ronnie Fields and Kevin Garnett playing in the Public League. It’s just such a storied league, and I’m glad I have been able to help Lane to get into a place where we are contenders.”
Meanwhile, Lake Forest bounced back from an upset loss to Mundelein on Friday with a solid victory over Rockford Auburn and high-scoring guard Amir Danforth. The Scouts played without senior guard Dom Mordini, who was out with an injury.
Hudson Scroggins was outstanding, taking over the game in the second half to finish with 29 points.
“That was a huge win for us to get us back on track,” Scroggins said. “We just need wins and want to win games, make this a memorable season and a great experience.”
Scroggins has plenty to play for as he awaits more college interest. He has become a versatile big man with an expanding game. The 6-8 senior, who has received mild interest but deserves more, will play another season on the club basketball circuit this spring.
Both teams remain under-the-radar threats later this season — Lane in Class 4A and Lake Forest in 3A.
Lane was a No. 7 seed last year and played Glenbrook North tough in a regional final loss. They return to the north suburbs for the postseason this year with eyes on a -regional championship, something that has -always escaped this program.
That’s why the victory against New Trier was so critical from a seeding perspective as Lane will battle with New Trier, Evanston, Loyola and Niles North for a regional championship. Plus, it’s a boost of confidence for a team knowing New Trier has won this sectional in each of the last two seasons.
Conversely, Lake Forest has reached the sectional championship game three years in a row. The Scouts lost a heartbreaker to St. Ignatius in 2022, fell 46-43 to Grayslake Central in 2023 and were knocked out by eventual state champ DePaul Prep last season.
Standing in Lake Forest’s way once again in the postseason is top-ranked DePaul Prep.