Argo’s Darron Greer Jr. didn’t search for because the scoreboard repeatedly up to date his scoring complete.
The 6-foot-4 junior ahead knew by intuition Wednesday night time that he was reaching statistical numbers that have been unprecedented in his highschool profession for the Argonauts.
“I knew I had a whole lot of factors, however I didn’t need that to hinder me or my teammates,” Greer stated afterward, along with his closing tally nonetheless frozen on the scoreboard. “That allowed everyone to play effectively,
“My coach all the time says it’s not about factors however the general stage of play.”
Greer checked all of these packing containers in opposition to host Chicago Christian, pouring in a career-high 36 factors and knocking down 11 rebounds in a 69-51 nonconference win in Palos Heights.
Senior guard Yusuf Saleh scored eight of his 9 factors within the second half for Argo (11-12), whereas senior ahead Kenneth Martins additionally added eight factors for the Argonauts.
Chicago Christian (8-8), which led by as many as 9 factors in the course of the second quarter, was paced in scoring by senior guard Kerry Teague with 14 factors. Casey Lenarz added 10 factors.
Greer, in the meantime, scored 13 factors within the fourth quarter, simply surpassing his earlier benchmark of 26 factors with an alley-oop dunk. He confirmed a repeated capacity to get to the rim.
A spectacular left-handed dunk to start out the third quarter and the alley-oop that punctuated his elite efficiency eliminated any doubts about an ankle damage he suffered within the fourth quarter Friday.
“I simply went out and did what I knew I may do,” Greer stated. “I didn’t need to power something. As soon as I bought the primary dunk, I simply thought I felt fairly good.
“After I noticed what number of factors I ended up with, I simply informed myself that’s a great sport.”
Saleh, Argo’s level guard, completed with six assists — with many organising Greer.
“Having a teammate like that makes it simple for me, particularly after I distribute,” Saleh stated. “He’s a three-level scorer who can shoot, take you off the bounce and work within the pick-and-roll sport.
“We spent a whole lot of time final summer season working collectively and it has produced.”
Argo coach Pat Maietta identified that Greer is the heartbeat of the crew.
“If he’s taking part in effectively, Argo is often taking part in effectively,” Maietta stated. “He’s not afraid to rebound or defend. He is aware of when to get to the basket and he’s very artful as soon as he will get there.
“He additionally hit a 3 (Wednesday night time), and that gave us extra vitality.”
Greer, the center of three youngsters, arrived at Argo in the beginning of his freshman season after the household moved from his native Waterloo, Iowa.
“I used to be nervous at first,” he stated. “My freshman season began, and I used to be type of shaky. I wasn’t scoring a lot. I began getting snug and everyone was very useful.
“It simply felt nice to have individuals round me who wished me to be right here.”
Discovering chemistry and taking part in collectively is one thing intuitive and pure for Greer. Like the remainder of his household, Greer is a musician who performs piano, bass and organ for his church.
His dad all the time supplied particular perception.
“I began out as a publish participant,” Greer stated. “My father all the time inspired me to diversify my sport in case I didn’t develop. I like contact and I like going to the rim.”
The opposite ardour in his household is bowling. In that sport, he by no means worries about his finest rating.
“I don’t preserve monitor of that,” he stated. “I simply look to see if I’m No. 1 or final in my household.
“I’ve all the time had excessive expectations in basketball, and that has helped me construct out as a participant.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a contract reporter for the Day by day Southtown.
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