Riverside Brookfield High School Clarion

SPORTS
Last updated on 2-10-09 @ 9:35 a.m.
Bulldogs top ranked Morton 59-57

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
●Kilcoyne twins star
●Containment of Guzman
●First win over Morton since 03-04
●Sixth Man storms the court

On Tuesday, February 3, the scholarly student body of Riverside Brookfield left their homework and books from their AP classes behind for the evening and headed to the William A. “Barney” Dudley Memorial Gymnasium for the biggest basketball game of the season. Neighborhood rival Morton (17-5) paid the Bulldogs (19-2) a visit that every student in the Sixth Man cheering section will remember and be able to look back on years after they graduate. The Bulldogs upset Morton (then ranked #13 in state by the Chicago Sun-Times) by a final score of 59-57.

The Sixth Man charges the court after the final buzzer.
Photo couresty of Anita Kreuger

Morton High School’s enrollment adds up to over 8,000 students while Riverside Brookfield’s is just a tick below 1,500, making the upset all the more impressive. Everyone in attendance that night knows which community cares more about their respected team, and the Riverside Brookfield community settled that issue without any doubts. The Sixth Man cheering section was as robust as it had been in years as the crowd of rowdy students ensured home court advantage from the opening tip to sound of the final buzzer. The Sixth Man was able to enjoy the fruits of their work when Morton missed their final shot for the tie and the mass of blue t-shirts stormed the court.

Senior Sixth Man representative senior Peter Szumski reflected on the entire evening for the notorious student cheering section.

“It would be nice to play tougher teams more often because the Sixth Man loves going up against good competition. We performed well and lived up to the hype that we have created for ourselves. We are really making a name for ourselves now,” stated Szumski.

Much of the Bulldog’s scheming was focused on the 6’5, 280 lbs Raul Guzman. Coach Tom McCloskey and staff were able to minimize his production to only 8 points and 7 rebounds. Guzman’s containment was made possible by Shane and Anthony Kilcoyne (both 6’2, somewhere near the 200 lbs mark). The twins irritated Guzman all game, refusing to let him establish himself in the paint. Shane had a great statistical night with 18 points and 12 rebounds, both game highs.

The Kilcoyne twins grew up in Cicero and played with many of the Morton players since they were in grade school. This was just more incentive, more reason, and more fuel to pull off the upset for the hardworking post players.

“I came out with more intensity. I’ve been playing with those Morton guys since I was a youngling. I wanted to prove myself. At the end of the game I wanted the crowd to go crazy. Consider this a shout out to the Sixth Man,” said Anthony Kilcoyne.

Brother Shane had a very similar point of view.

“I wanted to beat those guys because I’ve known them for so long and because RB hasn’t beat Morton in years. Guzman told me my team was soft because we were from Riverside. I just wanted to shut him up,” said Shane Kilcoyne.

All of Riverside Brookfield was able to have the last laugh that night. Guzman fouled out, the Sixth Man sung their best “Nah nah nah nah, hey hey hey, goodbye” ever, and McCloskey and the rest of his staff were able to wear a smile after finally beating rival Morton for the first time since the 2003-2004 season.

--Submitted by Kieran Brennan, Sports Manager

Riverside Brookfield High School ● 160 Ridgewood Road ● Riverside, Illinois ● 60546 ● (708) 442-7500