Oak Lawn Spartans Clinch Boys Basketball Conference Title

CHICAGO — Two Friday nights ago, when the Oak Lawn Community High School boys basketball team defeated South Suburban Conference Red rival Richards by one point on the road, it put itself in the driver’s seat for winning a conference title. This past week, the Spartans followed up that thrilling victory with a blowout win over Shepard on Tuesday and a 48-45 win over TF South Wednesday on the road to seal the deal. That impressive stretch means a conference championship for head coach Jason Rhodes and the Spartans for the first time since 1983.

“It’s special to finally check that box of conference champions, as that’s been a program goal of ours since I started here 11 years ago,” Rhodes said. “We’ve been so close on four different occasions, and in each instance, let it slip from our grasp late in the season in heartbreaking fashion. To finally break through this year makes the accomplishment even sweeter, knowing how hard we’ve worked as a program to shore up our weaknesses and improve how we could at the margins.”

“The classes of 2018, 2020, and 2021 (COVID) really set the stage for this season, as they each set a standard for our program and our seniors that has been built and improved upon over time. I’m happy for those guys too because though they didn’t play in any games for us this season, without their hard work, commitment, and example, this season doesn’t happen. I received a lot of happy text messages from those guys last week.”

Oak Lawn improved to 18-4 overall and 10-1 in conference with an impressive win at Reavis on Friday in Burbank. However, the victory on Wednesday night in Lansing was the big one. Senior Isaiah Thompson had a big night for Oak Lawn, but what has driven the team all year has been the team’s depth and consistency. Seniors Johnny McGowan, Davion Lawrence, Nicco Reyes, Gavin Butler, and Gabe Duer have been leaders and unselfish winners all season long.

“All we want to do is make the alumni, the community, and the school proud by how hard we play the game,” Rhodes said. “This year’s senior class and team have progressed remarkably in their careers, both from a skill and personal development standpoint. It’s no mistake that we’ve been able to pull out some close conference games this season, even on the road. Mental is to physical as 4 is to 1, and they have demonstrated some mental toughness late in games both at home but especially on the road on several occasions. I am proud of them.”

To put this championship in perspective, veteran physical education teacher and Illinois Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame softball coach at Oak Lawn Pat Mayer was actually on that conference championship team back in 1983…he is retiring from his teaching career next year. That was so long ago, they had to beat then conference opponent Sandburg to claim the title. The conference had a different name and look and was actually the now defunct South Inter-Conference Association West back then. So, this SSC Red crown means so much and ends a near 40-year drought for the Spartans.

“I’m so happy for the coaches and players because I know how hard that they have worked for the conference championship,” Mayer said. “As a former player, I’m proud of these guys and the success of the program under Coach Rhodes.”

~ Contributed by Brian Frangella, OLCHS Staff Writer