The situation called for caution, which isn’t really Morgan Park’s thing.
Nimari Burnett already had shot the Mustangs back into the game, and he delivered the backbreaker as well.
Burnett, a freshman, scored nine fourth-quarter points on three timely 3-pointers and No. 4 Morgan Park trailed for three quarters before storming back to beat No. 3 Curie 53-46 in Friday’s second Public League semifinal at Chicago State.
Ayo Dosunmu scored 15 points and Romelo Burrell added 13 and seven rebounds as the Mustangs (19-4) earned a rubber match with Simeon in the final.
The highly successful Red South rivals never have met in the city title game.
"I am used to all the bright lights," said Burnett, who will be featured in an upcoming Lifetime series "Bringing up Ballers."
"I’m used to the clutch moments. I’m used to it now. I’m here."
Morgan Park’s outside shooting was nowhere to be found until Burnett came off the bench.
Curie (23-3) led 39-34 after three quarters, then Burnett hit consecutive 3s that gave the Mustangs their first lead. Dosunmu followed with consecutive driving layups, and Morgan Park was in position to nurse a 44-41 advantage with less than two minutes remaining when Burnett let another one fly.
No. 5 Simeon starts, finishes fast to knock off No. 2 Young in city semifinal Mike Helfgot
The fast start and strong finish were the stuff of Simeon’s collection of championships.
In the middle were the questions still surrounding this clearly capable Wolverines team.
Messiah Jones dominated the paint with 21 points, 18 rebounds and five blocked shots and Evan Gilyard and Kezo Brown…
The fast start and strong finish were the stuff of Simeon’s collection of championships.
In the middle were the questions still surrounding this clearly capable Wolverines team.
Messiah Jones dominated the paint with 21 points, 18 rebounds and five blocked shots and Evan Gilyard and Kezo Brown…
(Mike Helfgot)
"The freshman came in and made big shots," Morgan Park coach Nick Irvin said. "He told me that was disrespectful by leaving him open. He said he loves the moment. He said, ‘Coach I’m going to take the next one.’ I said, ‘Keep taking them, I don’t care.’
"Go for the dagger. That’s how I played and that’s how we’re going to continue to play. If you’re wide-open, take it."
Mike Helfgot is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Player of the game: Ayo Dosunmu, Morgan Park, 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists.
Key performers: Morgan Park — Nimari Burnett, 9 points, 3 3-pointers; Romelo Burrell, 13 points, 7 rebounds. Curie — Terry Smith, 13 points.
Public League final: No. 4 Morgan Park vs. No. 5 Simeon, 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Chicago State. TV: WCIU-26.2.
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