Sycamore rebounds with win over Golden Warriors

Sycamore's Marko Kostic (12) goes for a shot against Sterling's Casey Carbaugh (45) during Tuesday night's 75-44 Spartan victory. Kostic was one of 11 SHS players to score as he contributed nine points. SHS improved to 20-4 with the win heading into Friday's regular-season and Suburban Prairie Conference North Division finale at home against Kaneland. Chronicle photo HOLLY LUNDH

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SYCAMORE - Sycamore High School's boys basketball team needed a game like this. The Spartans wished for a game to get back on the winning track. After jumping to a 18-1 record, Sycamore has faltered as of late. It has been losers in three of its last four games. Two of those losses came in Suburban Prairie Conference North Division games, knocking the Spartans out of the running for the conference crown. According to SHS coach Brett Goff, the Spartans entered Tuesday's game with built-up tension. Sycamore took out its frustration on Sterling High School in the tune of a 75-44 drubbing. "This was a big release," Goff said. "We came out focused and ready to play. It's been a long time since we lost to Glenbard South on Friday. This could be our turning point." Sycamore quickly got back on track in the first quarter and nearly outscored Sterling in the first quarter. SHS dropped 33 points in the opening quarter, led by Tony Bomar's 10 points. Ian Steczo added eight in the initial quarter. The Spartans continued its high-tempo offense in the second quarter, scoring 23 points to take a 56-22 advantage going into the halftime break. Andrew Gones scored eight of his 16 points in the second. Carl Tucker scored all eight of his points in the same span. SHS had three players finish in double figures, with Gones leading the way with 16. Steczo and Bomar each added in 12 apiece. Marko Kostic chipped in eight and Chris Kaiser finished with seven. "Everything seemed like it was clicking," Goff said. "Everyone was on the same page. Wee haven't played like that in a while." Goff said playing a team like Sterling this late in the season could give his team an advantage. Sycamore squares off against DeKalb High School on March 3rd in the opening round of the IHSA Class AA Belvidere High School regional game. Goff said DHS and Sterling are similar, as both teams boast a height-advantage over the Spartans. "Sterling is much like DeKalb," he said. "We tried to focus on more of the guards getting pressure on the ball. This was a confidence booster. We aren't used to playing teams like this." SHS, which improves to 20-4 for the season, close out the regular season with a home game against Kaneland High School on Friday.