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12/18/05

lawrence north 72, proviso east 59

Oden answers the challenge
Wildcats' 7-footer dominates Illinois signee with 31 points, 16 rebounds

Another center barked about challenging Greg Oden. Another center went home humbled.

Lawrence North's 7-footer dominated his latest antagonist, 6-11 Brian Carlwell, an Illinois recruit from perennial power Proviso East in the Chicago suburbs.

The reigning national high school Player of the Year scored 31 points to go with 16 rebounds and four blocked shots in a matchup of future Big Ten centers. Carlwell, ranked No. 40 in the senior class, had nine points, eight rebounds and one block as Lawrence North won the marquee matchup 72-59 in the Challenge of Champions Showcase.

Earlier in the week, Carlwell boasted to the Illinois media he was faster and more athletic than Oden, headed to Ohio State. The Lawrence North coaches posted the quotes on Oden's locker.

"I had to read it," said Oden, who shot 13-for-19 from the field, including hitting his developing hook shot. "They highlighted it for everybody to see. But I really didn't worry about it. I just wanted to come out and play a good game and get a win."

Approximately 6,500 fans filled most of Southport High School's gym for the final two games of the 12-team event, including large groups of orange-clad Illinois fans and Illini coach Bruce Weber.

Proviso East (6-2), ranked No. 6 among Illinois large schools, played to take away Oden's jumper, and Class 4A No. 1 Lawrence North (7-0) countered with lobs inside. Oden powered past defenders at times, and when they played behind him, he often used his quickness to spin around them for dunks.

"It was a great challenge," said Oden, who limped off the court and was out briefly in the first quarter after getting tangled up under the basket. "What I'm looking at now, when I think about him, is that I'm going to see him for the next four years because he's going to Illinois."

At the end of the third quarter, Lawrence North led 59-42. Carlwell had five points and five rebounds. Oden had 24 and 11.

"He dominated," said Lawrence North point guard Mike Conley, who added 14 points and 11 assists. "I don't know if anybody can stop him. I don't know why anybody would say they're faster than he is or anything because that just motivates him even more."

"He did everything they said he was going to do," Carlwell said. "It wasn't anything different. I have to continue to get better. If I don't, then this will happen again next time I play him."

Call Star reporter Jeff Rabjohns at (317) 444-6183.
Proviso East16161017--59Lawrence North20211813--72

Proviso East-- Jones 1-3 0-0 2, Fuqua 6-16 1-4 14, Carlwell 4-10 1-4 9, Pullen 8-17 5-6 26, Stanback 1-7 0-0 2, Brown 0-0 0-0 0, Ross 1-3 0-0 2, Ankum 0-0 0-0 0, Woods 2-7 0-0 4. Totals: 23-63 7-14 59.

Lawrence North -- Owen 1-1 2-5 4, Windham 4-11 0-0 8, Oden 13-19 5-8 31, McDonald 5-9 0-0 13, Conley 5-11 3-5 14, Thomas 0-1 0-0 0, Read 1-2 0-0 2, Van Treese 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 29-54 10-18 72.

3-point shooting--Proviso East 6-18 (Fuqua 1-4, Pullen 5-10, Stanback 0-3, Ross 0-1); Lawrence North 4-9 (McDonald 3-5, Conley 1-3, Thomas 0-1).
Rebounds-- Proviso East 32 (Carlwell 8); Lawrence North 41 (Oden 16).

Turnovers--Proviso East 11; Lawrence North 13. Assists--Proviso East 12 (Pullen 5); Lawrence North 15 (Conley 11). Total fouls-- Proviso East 18; Lawrence North 16. Officials--Pat Strong, Mike Ward, Darren Wright.

Star reporter Kristen Leigh Porter contributed to this story.