In a non-conference matchup on Dec. 4, Naperville Central’s boys basketball team lost to Sycamore 57-54 in overtime. The Redhawks led for most of the game but were forced into overtime after Sycamore’s junior guard, Isaiah Feuerbach, hit a game-tying three-pointer with three seconds left in regulation to force overtime.

Central came out strong in the first quarter, taking a 15-8 lead. The Redhawks’ defense held Sycamore to just eight points, and their offense contributed with key baskets. 

In the second quarter, the Redhawks extended their lead to 26-23 at halftime, outscoring Sycamore 11-5 in the period. 

But Sycamore responded in the third quarter, outscoring Central 17-11 to take a 40-37 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Overtime saw both teams battle for the win, but it was Sycamore who finished strong. The Spartans outscored Central 7-4 in the extra period to claim the victory. 

Despite having a chance to tie the game in overtime, with junior TJ Hillman fouled on a three-point attempt in the final seconds, Central struggled to capitalize.

“With a game like that sometimes it comes down to who has the best player on the court, and I think that number 4 for Sycamore was the best player tonight,” head coach Michael Wilson said. “He hit a really hard shot at the end of regulation. He was probably the difference in the game.”

Hillman and Senior Alex Liabo led Central with 18 points each, while junior Casey Cooperkawa was a key presence on the boards, securing rebounds to help maintain possession.

“We were winning and we just let them come back,” Liabo said. “We need to work on closing out games and figuring out how to hit shots down the stretch.”

Central lost their second home match against Neuqua Valley on Dec. 6 by a score of 60-43.