LANSING | This one showed why this is such a rivalry.
A screaming, near-capacity gym and both teams fighting hard until time ran out.
When it ended, Times No. 4 T.F. North had come away with a thrilling 47-45 South Suburban Blue win over District 215 rival T.F. South on Friday.
After losing to South last year in Calumet City, North coach Tim Bankston said he wanted to leave Lansing with a win.
"They can wait another 10 years before they win," Bankston said. "This was a big game for us and a hard-fought game. We need these kind of games. This is a big rivalry and we needed to win."
T.F. South had the ball last and Jamahre Baker's jumper in the paint was knocked away by North's Marquis Todd. South's Ka-Ton Mays rebounded, but the Meteors' Nick Wood stole the ball and was fouled as time ran out.
"I was just trying for a clean block and got all ball," Todd said. "I was just thinking block it, don't foul.
"I wanted to win this one. You know how big it is."
Wood said he knocked the ball out of Mays' hands and was thinking one thing.
"Just cover up the ball and don't let them (South) get a shot off," Wood said. "I was fouled, but the time ran out and the refs called it off."
Wood finished with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Greg McClain had 11.
The Rebels (10-10, 6-3) were without leading scorer Kenny Doss (21 points) on the last sequence of events. Rebels coach John O'Rourke said he cramped up and had to be taken out.
"No excuses," O'Rourke said. "We put ourselves in that position by not taking care of the ball. You cannot miss offensive opportunities against good team like T.F. North."
T.F. South turned the ball over seven times in the fourth quarter and 16 in the second half.
Bankston switched to a 2-3 zone on South's last possession as the Meteors (17-6, 9-1) held off the Rebels.
"We did not want them to drive the lane and get an easy basket and then get fouled," Bankston said. "I saved that for the end. I saved the best for last."
South led early as North struggled, taking a 26-20 halftime lead in a a game which saw eight second-half lead changes. the Meteors came out fired up and Wood said they knew they had to get their acts in gear.
"We just relaxed and talked it over at halftime," Wood said. "When we relax and play our game, it all works out."
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