Glenbard West gets some payback, 59-25 victory over York

GLEN ELLYN – After being swept by York last year, a hungry Glenbard West team felt it was time for payback as the Hilltoppers prepared to host the Dukes for the first time this season on Friday evening.

They proved to be rude hosts, as a swarming defensive performance by Hilltoppers junior TJ Williams pestered York ball-handlers all night long, leading Glenbard West to an impressive 59-25 victory over their Western Suburban Silver conference foes.

“We had a chip on our shoulders, because last year we lost to them three times,” said Williams, who finished the night with a game-high 14 points. “So we just wanted to get back at them … We have a statement to make in conference, so we wanted this win.”

Williams brought intensity to the Hilltoppers defense, aggravating York every time its offense tried to cross midcourt.

“He’s just our energy, he’s definitely our glue guy,” said fellow Glenbard West junior Josh Abushanab – a Glenbard North transfer who joined the team this season.

“He’s been coming up for the task every single game,” Abushanab continued. “Scoring in different ways, scoring in multiple ways, and not only that, being great as a chaser, getting tips on the defensive end … that’s what starts our defense.”

Williams and Abushanab paired up to provide length and athleticism, proving to be too much for the Dukes to handle.

“Josh can really do everything on the court,” added Williams. “Every time I’m leaking out, I know he can find me, find his teammates, and every time he has the ball in the middle, I know he’s gonna make the right read.”

Transition points played a significant role in helping the Hilltoppers build a commanding 36-14 halftime advantage. Williams and Abushanab often ran the length of the court, combining for 20 of those first-half points. Abushanab finished the game with 11 points.

“We play 11 guys, so that helps, just with energy and intensity,” said Hilltoppers coach Jason Opoka. “But realistically, it’s our athleticism and our length that allows us to get those tips and steals.”

York coach Mike Dunn agreed, giving credit to Glenbard West after his York squad was frustrated by their defense.

“Defensively, they were outstanding tonight. We couldn’t score against them. Their length was giving us fits,” said Dunn. “This is what we thought they were going to be. They’ve got basically everybody back from last year, and then obviously the transfer [of Abushanab] made a huge difference.”

With this win in tow, the Hilltoppers have their sights set on the big picture as conference play picks up.

“Our goal for the season?” said Williams. “Obviously, win a regional, win a sectional and win conference, because that’s been our goal since the beginning of the year. We’ve got some tough matchups coming up.”

Glenbard West squares off with Downers Grove South Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

As for the Dukes? They are hoping to put this one in the rearview mirror and will look to get back on track against Proviso West at 5 p.m. Saturday.

“We told our kids that ‘we’ve got a game tomorrow night, we’ve got to move on,’ so you know, you flush it and get better tomorrow,” said Dunn. “We’re a better team than what we showed.”

https://www.dailyherald.com/20250117/boys-basketball/boys-basketball-glenbard-west-turns-tables-on-york-with-dominating-defensive-effort/