ROCKTON — David Brown returned from injury early to lead Hononegah to a 2-0 start in its fifth annual Martin Luther King Classic Saturday.
Brown scored a combined 39 points in Hononegah’s wins against Normal West and Sterling just one week after going down with a high ankle sprain.
Hononegah initially feared he broke his ankle. When the Indians found out it was a sprain, he was expected to miss two weeks.
He returned in seven days.
“I’m about 85 to 90 percent,” said Brown, who is headed to Western Michigan University. “I went through so much this week. I went from thinking it was broke, to being sprained, and now being able to play.”
Hononegah (14-2) especially needed Brown for its 58-52 win against Sterling and Illinois recruit Joseph Bertrand Saturday night. Brown scored 20 points, including the layup and free throw with 1:13 remaining that put Hononegah up by two possessions for good.
“He provides leadership for us, so it was great to have him back,” Hononegah coach Mike Miller said. “It’s not only about his great offense, but it’s his defense and his rebounds and all that he does for us.”
Hononegah led 25-24 at halftime and 42-39 after the third quarter. Dustin Meier had a key put back in the fourth, and the Indians went 8 of 9 in free throws in the final 1:13 for the win.
Mario Donaldson and Meier finished with 10 apiece against Sterling (10-7). Bertrand finished with 19 for the Golden Warriors.
“I think there were some times when my team needed me when nobody was making shots,” Brown said.
“This was real important to me. This tournament is outstanding, and I love playing in it.”
Hononegah started the day with a 63-48 win against Normal West. Brown hit five 3-pointers and finished with 19 points.
“We have to give a ton of credit to our trainer (Beth Pouk), because she worked very hard with him all week,” Miller said. “The prognosis kept getting better and better, and he was cleared this morning. We tried him this morning and gave him limited minutes. He said there was no soreness, so it looks good.”
Hononegah will play state-ranked Hoffman Estates and Zion-Benton Monday in the second and final day of the eight-team event.
Neuqua Valley 87, Guilford 56: Derek Raridon scored a game-high 17 to pace Neuqua Valley, which outscored Guilford 19-8 in the third quarter. Quavion Kimball and Jeff Janusevic had 16 and 11, respectively, for Guilford.
Normal Community 55, Guilford 36: Normal overcame an 8-3 first-quarter deficit to earn the victory. Timmy Hill had 11 and Leandre Harmon 10 for Guilford.
— Emily Tropp, rrstar.com
