Extra Points: Plainfield South's Presniakovas Does a Little of Everything

When talking about junior guard Ed Presniakovas’ impact on the team, Plainfield South coach Ken Bublitz doesn’t know where to begin.

The 6-foot-3-inch guard’s versatility on the court is a big reason the Cougars own an impressive 17-6 record this season.

“We rely on him a lot,” Bublitz said. “He’s going to score for us, he distributes the ball, he’s a good defender and just does a lot for us. He’s an extremely talented young man.”

Presniakovas turned in another solid effort Tuesday to help Plainfield South beat visiting Joliet Catholic 60-52 in a nonconference boys basketball game.

Presniakovas scored a team-high 15 points and also contributed six rebounds, five assists and a pair of steals.

“My role is to be the leader on the team,” Presniakovas said. “I make sure everybody is involved, take good shots when I’m open and get my teammates the ball when they’re open. I just want to run the team.”’

Presniakovas did most of his damage early when the game was pretty much determined. He scored eight points, including a three-pointer to start and end a 13-0 run to close the first quarter and help the Cougars take a 24-11 lead.

Presniakovas wanted to perform well for the seniors, who were recognized before the contest for Senior Night.

“We came out playing well,” Presniakovas said. “We had excitement with it being Senior Night. The seniors hit some big shots starting out and it really helped us.”

Plainfield South is looking to finish off the regular season strong. The Cougars are currently atop the Southwest Prairie Conference with a 9-2 record and two conference contests remaining. Plainfield South closes the regular season against Oswego, which currently has three conference losses.

“I like where we’re at right now,” Presniakovas said. “We’re at the top of the conference and playing very well as a team. Everyone is getting involved and the big men are getting involved. We’re just playing good team ball right now.”

The best play: After Joliet Catholic rallied from an early deficit to even the score 11-11, Presniakovas drained a three-pointer to start a momentum-changing 15-0 run by the Cougars who took a 26-11 lead and led by at least six points the remainder of the game.

Impressive effort: Although it wasn’t enough, Joliet Catholic senior guard did his best to lead his team back Tuesday. He scored 13 of his game-high 20 points in the third quarter to help the Hilltoppers trim a 17-point deficit to nine points heading into the fourth quarter.

“He sometimes takes over the game,” Joliet Catholic coach Jeff Budz said. “He kind of puts the team on his back and that’s kind of how he’s been all year. He wants to get the other guys involved but when he gets on those runs the other guys recognize that and try to get him open a little more.”

Senior Night: Plainfield South recognized the senior winter athletes prior to Tuesday’s varsity basketball game. The senior basketball players honored were Dazrion Green, John Collins, Christopher Johnson, Darrell Collins and Zach Snowden.

Postseason matchups: Plainfield South is seeded No. 10 in the loaded Class 4A Thornwood Sectional and will face No. 23 Thornton Fractional South in the Crete-Monee Regional quarterfinal Feb. 28 at 8:10 p.m. Joliet Catholic is seeded No. 13 in the Class 3A Rich South Sectional and will take on No. 20 Evergreen Park in the Thornton Fractional North Regional quarterfinal Feb. 28 at 6 p.m.

Sophomore score: Joliet Catholic 56, Plainfield South 55 (overtime).