Saturday, Nov. 27,  the Mundelein Thanksgiving Tournament continued as the Barrington Broncos (3-1) defeated the hosts of the tournament, the Mundelein Mustangs (3-1) on a defensive effort that lifted the Broncos to an incredible 57-56 victory.

The game began well for the Broncos as they played nearly point for point with Mundelein during the first quarter.  Barrington's senior guard, Greg Gerrard (10 points for the game), stayed aggressive much of the game and started his scoring thanks to hustle during the first quarter.  He was rewarded for his physical and quick play with a three-point play opportunity early in the game, his lay-up, and subsequent free throw, gave Barrington an early 9-8 lead.  Unfortunately, it would be the last time the Broncos would have the lead until late in the fourth quarter.

Barrington and Mundelein continued a tough, physical second quarter and exchanged points similarly to the first quarter.  Undersized Barrington's approach to fundamentals and commitment to defense paid off as the Broncos were able to force Mustang errors, garner steals, and snag rebounds against Mundelein's big interior presence led by 6'8" senior forward Ryan Sawvell.  Sawvell ended the night with 12 points.

Battling in the paint for Barrington was senior forward Owen Prunskis (four points prior to fouling out during the fourth quarter), senior forward Mitch Smith (back-to-back individual defensive stances near the end of the game helped seal Barrington's victory), and junior forward, Mark Bennett.  As if Bennett's gritty defensive effort against a much larger adversary during the game, and second quarter, wasn't enough, he also poured in eight points for the game on the offensive end.

"I'm really proud of Mitch, Mark and Owen. They just battled all night," Barrington's coach Bryan Tucker said of his teams' interior play.  "Owen was undersized and yet still went toe to toe with that big guy (Sawvell).  Owen was a warrior."

With the Broncos losing 24-22, the Broncos hit a stretch where three turnovers, in conjunction with a few missed field goals, helped the Mustangs end the half on a 5-0 run and push their lead to 29-22.  Most of Mundelein's scoring during the second quarter was from sophomore guard Robert Knar who scored nine of his team high 21 points during the second quarter.

Barrington's second half started with Tyler Weathered personally keeping Mundelein from building on their first half momentum as he scored the Broncos' first seven points.  Weathered ended the night with a game high 24 points.

Despite the play of Weathered, Mundelein was still able to push their lead to a game high 10 point lead during the third quarter thanks in large part to Knar, Sawvell and the Mustang's bench play led by Leavon Head. 

Head scored seven off the bench for the Mustangs and helped push the lead to 43-35, which would have been more but Barrington was able to nail the buzzer beater as the third quarter expired.

The fourth quarter began with Brad Zaumseil hitting a three that helped to spark a 12-5 Barrington run that saw the Broncos pull within a point at 48-47.  Zaumseil ended the game with seven points.

Not only was the hot shooting of Weathered on display during the fourth-by hitting three-three pointers-but Gerrard was still being aggressive on both ends of the court and was now using his size advantage in the post position.  Just like the first quarter, Gerrard's hustle was again rewarded with another foul shot after a made basket which he converted again.

Barrington again turned up the defensive pressure and that helped stop Mundelein's offensive opportunities towards the end of the game.  The Broncos finally battled back and saw only their second lead of the night at 55-54.  With less than two minutes remaining in the game, the Broncos finally took the lead, but this time Barrington would not relinquish it like they had done earlier.

"We were inexperienced and it showed after that loss to start the season," Coach Tucker said of his team's newfound commitment to defense.  "I think these kids realized we had a little more to show out on the court and they did just that tonight, but we still have some growing to do."

The Broncos and Mustangs exchanged quick field goals but during Mundelein's tough offensive sequences to end the game it was Barrington's defense that was able to take a hard charge.  Moments later, Barrington's Smith positioned himself well as Mundelein's Sawvell was forced to foul in an attempt to corral the loose rebound in last second desperation.

However, Smith was unable to make either free throw that would have given Barrington more of a cushion down the stretch but Mundelein's final offensive series was stopped by the Broncos' defense.

Barrington squeaked out a dramatic 57-56 come from behind victory.

"Mundelein is such a talented team and so well coached," Tucker said following the game.  "We're really proud of our kids and how they stepped up.  Even when they were down playing against some strong competition they kept their heads, and kept battling, and that says something."