In front of a full house, the boys basketball team ground out an overtime win, beating Loyola Academy 56-54.

Loyola Academy’s senior forward and Maryville University commit Ramar Evans missed a contested three in the last few seconds in order to seal the win for New Trier.

Although Evans missed his final shot, the Rambler still had an unbelievable game, scoring 20 points including a step-back three-pointer to cut the Trevians lead to 56-54.

Guard Kevin Cunningham also had a big night for Loyola scoring 14 points and snagging five rebounds.

“Our biggest plan for Loyola was to limit their shooters,” said senior captain Joe Akason, “We needed to stop Evans from getting good looks and we knew if we played good defense our offense would suit follow.”

The Trevians put the game in the win column with clutch free throws in overtime.

Sophomore Spencer Boehm and Junior Andrew Kirkpatrick both tallied two points from the line in the extra session, but the biggest tosses belong to Senior Teddy Mcgregor who made two free throws in the last minute to put New Trier ahead 56-51.

Kirkpatrick lead the scoring for New Trier with eleven points and four assists.

“My role on the team is to get guys open shots,” said Kirkpatrick, “playing in front of this big a crowd, some teams can get selfish, but I think the crowd gave us a boost of energy.”

New Trier also got a spark of energy off the bench from 6-foot-5 senior James Connors who knocked down two three pointers late in the second quarter.

Connors also had a huge three pointer with 3:31 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to put the Trevians up 47-46.

“Shooting the ball is definitely one of my strengths,” said Connors, “Loyola is always a huge game for us and they have beaten us the past few years so it was awesome to beat them especially on their home court.”

This win was particularly sweet for this years returners because Loyola knocked the Trevians out of the playoffs last year and the loss was in the back of the players minds during the game.

“This game was a must win for us,” said Akason, “We needed to win for our own team’s confidence and to beat one of our fiercest rivals.”

Connors agreed with Akason. “This was one of the most important games of the year. We wanted to come out with a lot of energy and match their physicality, but it was awesome to finally get the win against these guys.”

Sophomores Ciaran Brayboy and Spencer Boehm had a big game for the Trevians, scoring a combined 18 points, with 10 rebounds and two assists.

The two 6 footers have been a steady influence for the Trevians all year long.

Senior guard Aaron Peltz also helped the Trevians with his hot hand. Peltz nailed an extremely deep three-pointer late in the second quarter to cut New Trier’s deficit. The senior ended the night with 7 points and 4 rebounds.    

New Trier has had an average start to the season, but they are hoping that this upset win will give them momentum as they start conference play.

“We know we have a good team when we play the way we are capable of playing,” said Akason, “We hope to make a deep run in the playoffs this year and improve on our season from last year.”

New Trier hopes to improve their record as they play Glenbrook South at home on Friday, December 2.

The Trevians will then play Evanston on December 13 in one of the biggest rivalry games in Illinois High School Basketball.