The Leo Lions fell to top-seed and top-ranked Glenbard West 69-46 Wednesday night in the quarterfinals of the 2021 Jack Tosh Holiday Tournament at York High School in Elmhurst.
Glenbard West’s length and extended zone proved too much for the younger, outsized Lions, who suffered a power outage in the second half of its third consecutive night of play.
Jakeem Cole’s seven-point burst in the opening quarter staked Leo to a 16-15 lead. Leo trailed 26-23 at half after a cold-shooting second quarter but kept it close with a strong defensive effort and box out work on the boards.
A 22-2 run by Glenbard West to open the second half left Leo spent and forced to scramble. The effects of three straight nights playing in a top-flight tournament began to show; Leo trailed 51 – 30 at the end of three quarters. Glenbard West was only playing back-to-back games after drawing a bye Monday night due to a Covid-related forfeit.
Cameron Cleveland kept the game relatively close with 17 of Leo’s first 37 points. He finished with 22 points, followed by Cole’s nine.
Glenbard West began substituting late in the contest in preparation for a matchup in the semi-finals against Rolling Meadows. Leo moved to the consolation bracket for a 6 p.m. meeting with Lake Forest Thursday.
Glenbard West provided a gauge for Leo, who played a similar “tale of two halves” against City power Curie, who also beat the Lions, now 6-2. The overachieving young Lions will likely retain its ranking because of the strength of the two opponents who beat them, both seeded at the top of their tournaments, Jack Tosh and Pontiac respectively.
COVID exposure continues to be a concern with the Leo administration taking all measures in keeping everybody safe.
We will keep you abreast of further developments, advise caution and continue to pray for your health and safety. Games streamed on YouTube can be found @JackToshHC.
—The Leo Team