On November 23, the Deerfield basketball team defeated Rolling Meadows at the Ed Molitor Thanksgiving tournament in Palatine.
The score was 55-50 after Rolling Meadows failed to put into action their plan to win it with three-point shots.
Although both teams had players that stood out during the game and scored 23 points each (namely Jack Schoessling of the Mustangs and Jordan Baum for the Warriors), it was Baum's free throws won it in the final minute. The Mustangs also gave up the ball twice in turnovers.
According to Marco Taibi, a junior and player for the Mustangs, the team appreciated being able to play. Kevin Katovich, the coach of the Mustangs, commented on the turnovers being their downfall despite scoring well, but said he expected mistakes in the first game of the season.
The teams were neck and neck throughout most of the game until the last eight minutes, when the Warriors were four points ahead. However, the Mustangs quickly closed the gap with a three-point basket. The Mustangs had the lead with less than a minute to go but the Warriors caught up in seconds. A turnover so late in the game by the Mustangs won it for the Warriors.
Depending on how well the Warriors do, the school could hire a banner printing company to make them a congratulatory banner to hang in the gymnasium once the season is over.
