Deichl paces Libertyville in win over Round Lake
By jon kerr Contributor January 13, 2012 10:56PM
Jack Deichl of the Wildcats tries to get a shot off against Warren during Friday's action. | Joe Shuman~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: March 19, 2012 2:00AM
Multi-sport athletes are always asked the question: What is your favorite?
At times, the answer can be as difficult as asking a parent to pick their favorite child.
That’s how Libertyville High School’s Jack Deichl sees it.
“When it’s in season, I’m a football player — and when it’s in basketball season, I’m a basketball player,” said the 6-foot-5 Deichl. “I’ve always played both.”
In the fall, Deichl was the Wildcats’ starting quarterback. In the winter, he’s one of the hoops team’s big men, providing much-needed interior bulk for a Libertyville (11-5, 2-3) team known for its scoring guards.
“We think Jack can score,” said Libertyville coach Scott Bogumil. “We need that third or fourth scorer, as everyone is focused on our guards (Ellis Matthews and Griffin Pils).”
During Saturday’s North Suburban crossover game against Round Lake, won easily by Libertyville 62-39, the Wildcats made a point of going to Deichl early in the game, as Round Lake had no post players taller than 6-4. The strategy worked, as Deichl scored 11 of his game-high 13 points in the first quarter. During the Wildcats’ 20-7 first-quarter run, the junior forward showed off a shot in his repertoire not seen much this season: a right-handed baby hook.
Where did this come from?
“I’ve had that move in my arsenal since I was a youngster,” Deichl said. “I haven’t had an opportunity to show it off. It was there (Saturday night).”
Deichl credits his father, Jack, who by the way is a two-sport Hall of Famer for UW-Whitewater (football and basketball), and boys soccer coach Andy Bitta — his travel basketball coach — for helping to mold that shot in seventh and eighth grade. The shot requires precision technique and positioning, a skill set needed in his other sport: football.
“From a basketball standpoint, footwork comes in handy,” Deichl said. “It helps me to have quick feet in the pocket.”
Whichever sport is in season, you can bet Jack Deichl is making an impact — in the post or in the pocket.
Recap: The Wildcats cruised to an easy win over Round Lake Saturday afternoon, less than 24 hours after suffering a 72-53 loss to Lake Division rival Warren.
Best to get that loss out of your head?
“When you lose those heartbreakers, no one wants to come back. But sometimes when you get beat and there was no doubt you lost, you just want to get that out of your system and go play,” Bogumil said. “We competed, but there was no doubt (Warren was) better than us.”
Libertyville had no answer for the Warren’s speed and size. The Wildcats missed some chances early, which the Blue Devils converted into transition baskets. Warren shot 62 percent for the game, as 6-8 star Nathan Boothe shot 11-for-16 and finished with 24 points.
The Wildcats were led by Griffin Pils’ 18 points. Ellis Matthews finished with 17.
“You have to get a lead on them, spread them out and be patient,” Bogumil said. “You can’t play from behind.”
Matthews had a 29-for-29 free-throw streak end against Warren. The senior guard missed his only attempt, in the fourth quarter, after he was fouled while making a basket.
Honest, Abe: The biggest cheer from Saturday’s game may have come when senior guard Dan Ryan, he of the Abe Lincoln-like facial hair, drained a three-pointer late in the game.
“Dan brings great energy every day,” Deichl said. “He’s a guy who doesn’t look for his shot, so when he does and it goes in, it’s fun to see.”
On the schedule: Libertyville hosts Carmel on Saturday.
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