Most of the talk surrounding Lincoln-Way East basketball of late has been about who left the program. But Brenden Sanders is still there.
The senior guard believes the Griffins can be successful in spite of the fact that three starters from last season transferred.
As far as Sanders is concerned, there’s no place like home.
“It’s just showing that you don’t have to leave,” he said. “You can still be here. It’s about keeping it at home, not going anywhere and trusting our guys and how we can be good together.”
So far, so good for the Griffins. With Sanders providing the leadership Wednesday night, host Lincoln-Way East stayed undefeated, riding a balanced effort to a 60-55 win over Andrew in the SouthWest Suburban Conference opener for both teams in Frankfort.
Evan Riiff scored 17 points and hit four free throws in the final eight seconds to seal the win for the Griffins (4-0, 1-0).
Will Buchanan provided 11 points and seven rebounds and Sanders scored 10 points, while Jonathan Aluyi and Wes Shelby each chipped in with eight points. Aluyi added eight rebounds.
Scott Dinnon led Andrew (3-3, 0-1) with 13 points and five rebounds. Ryan Dinnon scored 12 points, Athan Berchos added 11 points and Dionte Thigpen picked up 10 points and six rebounds.
The game was tied 53-53 with 1:24 left when Sanders hit a go-ahead free throw and then forced a turnover on the other end.
Those are the types of plays Lincoln-Way East coach Rich Kolimas expects from Sanders.
“I’ve been leaning on Brenden since he was a sophomore,” Kolimas said. “He’s a third-year varsity guy and he’s always played great defense. He’s usually on the best offensive player.
“We need him when we get down to create some turnovers for us. He can do that.”
The Griffins made a few huge defensive stops down the stretch to hold on for the win, with Riiff’s free throws locking things up.
“I think it’s just practice,” Riiff said. “Day in and day out, (assistant coach Norm) Wylie pushes us to be the best defenders we can and it paid off right there.”
Riiff is starting for the Griffins as a sophomore. He said the team’s newcomers are looking to Sanders to show the way.
“It’s a big deal,” Riiff said. “He’s a great leader at every practice, pushing us to be the best we can.”
Sanders is all about instilling a sense of pride in the program.
After all, that’s why he never thought about following the transfer train out of town following the departures of BJ Powell to Combine Academy in North Carolina, Karson Thomas to Marist and Brent Taylor to Homewood-Flossmoor.
“It’s important to set the standard and show the young guys that it’s not just them, it’s for the generation after them,” Sanders said. “That’s how the tradition carries on.”
The Griffins have relied heavily on their depth in the first four games, something Sanders expects to carry them a long way.
“We don’t have the individual players we had last year,” Sanders said. “We all have to work together to meet our goals and that’s to make a long run. We need everybody to do it every time.”
Or, as Riiff put it, Lincoln-Way East will succeed based on unity. Sanders has helped create that.
“I think all the selfishness left and we’re a strong team,” Riiff said. “We play together. A lot of wins will come down the stretch.”
And although one might think the departures have cleared the way for Sanders to make a bigger name for himself, he said it’s all about the team.
“I don’t try to think of it like that,” Sanders said. “I think as we win, I’ll get more looks and that’s all I really think about.”
Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
