Proviso West: Larkin sneaks past Hillcrest

Larkin’s 6-6 junior Christian Negron is one of the state’s star attractions. He’s the reason the Royals were invited to the Proviso West Holiday Tournament and several other high-profile events around the Midwest this season.

The tough schedule has led to losses, but it has also hardened Larkin into a tougher team. The Royals didn’t panic on Saturday in Hillside when Negron struggled early. They kept their composure and earned a 56-52 comeback win over Hillcrest in the first round of the Proviso West Holiday Tournament.

“My teammates kept trusting me, kept giving me the ball,” Negron said. “That’s huge. I appreciate it a lot. This is a big win, it means a lot for Larkin basketball.”

Hillcrest led 52-51 with 25 seconds to play. AJ Hunter (17 points, eight rebounds) drained four free-throws and Negron (12 points, eight rebounds) made a crucial three-point play in the final seconds to seal the win for the Royals (7-4).

“We fought,” Larkin coach Deryn Carter said. “I’m proud of our guys, to be down double-digits and just keep at it, keep fighting.”

Junior Marcus Garrett led the Hawks (7-3) with 19 points and five rebounds.

The Royals will play St. Joseph in the second round on Monday.