Luke Vetter took a roundabout way to celebrate his birthday for Lincoln-Way East.
A day after turning 18, the reserve senior guard was scoreless until the final seconds of the third quarter Tuesday night when he caught a pass 20 feet from the basket.
What followed was like a gift.
“They kept letting me reject the screen and go down toward the sideline,” he said. “It just slowed the game down for me. A guy came off of me to help, and I just rose up and shot the ball.”
That big shot — a 3-point jumper by Vetter — gave the Griffins a rise, sparking a late offensive flurry in a 59-50 SouthWest Suburban Conference victory over host Sandburg in Orland Park.
Senior guard Brenden Sanders ended up with 21 points and six rebounds for Lincoln-Way East (10-8, 4-4). Junior forward Jonathan Aluyi added 11 points, eight rebounds and two blocked shots.
Junior forward Will Johnson tallied 17 points and seven rebounds for Sandburg (10-8, 2-6). Senior guard Connor Gleason made two 3-pointers on his way to scoring 11 points.
The 3-pointer by Vetter, who finished with 10 points, five rebounds and three assists, closed out the third quarter and turned a one-point lead for the Griffins into a more comfortable margin.
“Sandburg was running a 1-2-2 press and three-quarters trap, and we had really been struggling against that,” Lincoln-Way East coach Rich Kolimas said. “We were very impatient with it in our movement and passes.
“Luke came in at the end of the third quarter and just solved it. That’s the kind of steady player he is. He likes to say to always trust the process.”
Sanders, meanwhile, made the crucial pass from the top of the key to the right baseline.
“I saw him in the right corner,” Sanders said. “I just knew I had to get the ball to him.
“That’s what LV does for us. He’s a great guy, fun and outgoing, but he’s serious, works hard, a great student. He brings a lot to our team.”
The fact his strong play came amid his birthday celebration only deepened the pleasure. Vetter then scored seven points, including a crucial layup, during the fourth quarter.
”I think it being my birthday gave me a huge confidence boost,” Vetter said. “All day in school, people gave me a bunch of support, along with my family, and it gave me a lot of confidence.”
Vetter, a two-year varsity player, also recognized the moment and knew not to be flustered by his lack of offensive involvement. He has excelled as a scorer off the bench.
“Our starters have fluctuated throughout the season,” Vetter said. “I think it’s been good that we’ve been doing that. We always have to stay ready.
“Once you realize that, you know you’re going to be there when your name is called. You don’t have to prepare yourself. You’re just already ready to go.”
Vetter, a tight end and receiver who helped Lincoln-Way East reach the Class 8A state semifinals, has an offer to play football at Aurora University. He’s also mulling other choices.
He feels the two sports play beautifully off each other.
“With basketball, my role is to always be ready, never complain and be a floor general who gets everybody involved,” Vetter said. “Football definitely carries over because it teaches you hard work and perseverance and to just never quit.”
The 6-foot Vetter isn’t afraid to throw his body around, either. His strong drive to the basket against contact with four minutes remaining stretched out the Griffin’ lead.
“I know if I’m knocking my shot down, I’m going to have a good night,” he said. “Even if it’s not falling, I’m going to keep shooting. These close games are high intensity and everybody is doing their part for the win.
“There’s just nothing better than that.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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