CALUMET CITY | All season T.F. North couldn't finish off opponents and had trouble getting its inside game going.
Friday night, the Meteors played a complete game and used their size to their advantage with a 55-40 South Suburban Blue win over Oak Forest.
"That is what we needed to do, and we have been getting better the last few games," T.F. North coach Tim Bankston said. "We didn't turn the ball over; our big men came through, and it is a great way to go into the playoffs."
T.F. North (10-16, 7-6) committed just seven turnovers, including none in the second quarter.
"We took care of the ball tonight, and that was the difference," guard Eric Wood said. "We had been turning the ball over, and other teams were getting baskets off of them. Tonight, no baskets for them, and we got it to our big men, and they took control."
On Senior Night, senior post players Torin Washington and Kayode Amoran combined for 19 points and 11 rebounds. Washington led the way with 11 points and seven boards.
"We had to take advantage of our size, and we just had to step up," Washington said. "All year Coach was on us to step it up. Oak Forest, they're very physical, but we hit the boards, and our guards did a good job of getting the ball inside.
Patience was also a key as the Meteors were 21-of-45 from the field and 5-of-7 behind the 3-point line.
"We finally stopped forcing shots and making passes," Bankston said. "We fed off turnovers, and we took care of the ball."
The Meteors led 15-10 after one quarter and 25-18 at halftime. North kept its double-digit lead, but Oak Forest (12-13, 5-8) made a late run. This time, North answered back.
"The seniors, we had to step up," Amoran said. "We knew they would make a run, but we got basket or a stop."
David Stevens also had eight points and two assists. Wood and McKinley Elem had seven points each.
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