Illiana Christian senior Isaac Sherwood started a new pregame routine two weeks ago.
The highlights are a 30-minute meditation and no pregame meal, although the 6-foot-1 guard is left with a typical postgame symptom.
“I’m probably going to slam a whole pizza,” Sherwood said with a laugh. “I’m starving.”
But the routine seems to be working for Sherwood, who tied a career high with four 3-pointers and scored a team-high 16 points during Illiana Christian’s thrilling 58-56 overtime win against North Newton in the first round of the Class 2A Bowman Sectional on Wednesday night.
The Vikings (15-9) will play Andrean (13-10) in the sectional semifinals on Friday after the 59ers advanced with a 58-44 win against Bowman.
Sherwood entered the game as Illiana Christian’s second-leading scorer, averaging 8.7 points, behind senior forward Andy Spoelman. But Sherwood has cracked double figures in four of the past five games, which coincides with the timing of the change in his routine.
“I was never really into routines before,” he said. “But over the last five games, I’ve started that pregame routine, stuck to it for every single game, and I’ve noticed a big difference with my play.”
Illiana Christian coach Tom Roozeboom said Sherwood mentioned it to him, and Roozeboom didn’t want to get in the way.
“I told him to do whatever he needs to do to put himself and this team in the best position,” Roozeboom said. “That’s the kind of player he can be. He’s been confident in spurts this year, kind of doubting himself a bit, and he doesn’t need to.”
Sherwood had several standout performances earlier in the season, scoring 23 points against Chicago Christian on Dec. 16, 17 points against Bethany Christian on Dec. 30 and 23 points against Whiting on Jan. 2. He scored just 31 points over the next six games, however, connecting on 3 of 25 shots from 3-point range.
Sherwood went 4 for 7 on threes against North Newton, hitting two in the first quarter to continue recent trends and instill some early confidence.
“I knew my shot was falling early,” he said. “Over the last few games, I’ve been getting confidence back in my shot. I knew we were going to need someone to step up and hit shots, and I was able to do it.”
Illiana Christian needed every one of Sherwood’s points to reach overtime. Two late free throws by senior forward Dylan Polak helped seal the Vikings’ victory.
Polak had a routine of his own at the free-throw line.
“Every time I’m shooting in practice, I hold the ball the same way,” he said. “I put my middle finger on the needle. Then I bend my knees, shoot and finish on my toes.”
Sherwood had a chance to end the game in regulation, but his 3-point shot from the baseline with 10 seconds remaining was off the mark.
“Oh, I thought that one was going in,” he said. “I really thought I had it.”
Sherwood didn’t take any shots in overtime, but the game ended with the ball in his hands. North Newton’s final chance to tie — or win — came on an inbounds play with 5.5 seconds to go. After a missed shot, the rebound landed in Sherwood’s arms, and he hugged the ball tightly to his chest.
“I wasn’t letting that thing go,” he said.
Dave Melton is a freelance reporter.
