2023-24 Varsity Scores/Recaps: 12-9-23 vs. Thorton Fractional North High School (7-1, 1-0) Leading Scorer: Mercer (21) Leading Rebounder: Cicic (7) Leading Assists: Cicic (3)
It was a tough and hard fought game Saturday morning in game one of the Team Rose Classic at Mount Carmel High School. The Bulldogs took on Thornton Fractional North in the first game of the prestigious basketball event. It was tough sledding throughout for both teams; as baskets, rebounds, and breathing room on the court was tough to come by. Ultimately, the Bulldogs used an 18-4 second quarter run to take a lead they would never relinquish, securing a 57-48 victory. Sophomore Cameron Mercer was all over the court defensively, being named "Defensive MVP" by the coaching staff for the second game in a row. Mercer also led the Bulldogs with 21 points and made some key free throws down the stretch. Starts Danny Loftus and Stefan Cicic both scored 11 points, and multiple other players made winning contributions throughout the game. With the victory, the Bulldogs move to 7-1 on the season, and return to action next Tuesday (12/12) for a 7:00 PM home game against Crete Monee High School.
12-8-23 vs. Elmwood Park High School (6-1, 1-0) Leading Scorer: Loftus (18) Leading Rebounder: Cicic (9) Leading Assists: Cicic, Austin (5)
Conference season is officially underway! The RB bulldogs got off to a quick start Friday night, outscoring Elmwood Park High School 27-8 in the first quarter. The Bulldogs used the momentum of the early lead and extended it throughout the game, before ultimately prevailing 69-31. The Bulldogs had a 42-14 advantage in points-in-the-paint, and shot 65% on fga. Junior Danny Loftus shot 6 for 7 from the field and set a varsity career high with 18 points. Senior Stefan Cicic scored 15 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 17 minutes of action. With the victory, the Bulldogs improved to 1-0 in conference and 6-1 overall.
12-5-23 vs. Latin (5-1, 0-0) Leading Scorer: Cicic (19) Leading Rebounder: Cicic (12) Leading Assists: Brown (4)
The RB bulldogs had a great team effort in beating Latin High School 79-47. Multiple players made contributions to the game and committed winning plays. Senior Stefan Cicic lead the bulldogs with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Seniors Steven Brown and Mehki Austin chipped in 16 and 13 points, respectively as well. Ten different RB players got into the scoring column, and senior guard Joseph (Joey) Garvey came off the bench to take two separate charges. Afterwards, Garvey was named defensive MVP of the game by the coaches. The Bulldogs return to action Friday night for our first conference game of the season. It is a 7:00 PM tipoff against Elmwood Park High School. The game is also "Middle School Night", where our Junior Bulldog players will be in attendance and will participate in games afterwards. It should be a great environment, so come out and support the Dogs!
12-2-23 vs. St. Ignatius (4-1, 0-0) Leading Scorer: Austin (12) Leading Rebounder: Cicic (9) Leading Assists: Brown (6)
For the second year in a row, and 4th time overall, the Riverside Brookfield varsity boys basketball team was selected to participate in the prestigious Chicago Elite Classic. This year, the event took place on the campus of UIC. The Chicago Elite Classic features some of the best teams in the state, in addition to nationally ranked teams across the nation. For the first time in 3 previous tries at the Classic, the Bulldogs came out victorious, beating St. Ignatius 50-49. The game was tightly contested throughout, but the Bulldogs were able to hang on to a 1-point victory after a last second shot from Ignatius fell just short. Senior Mehki Austin came off the bench to lead the Dogs in scoring with 12 points. It was a total team effort, as seniors Stefan Cicic and Steven Brown both scored in double figures. Junior Danny Loftus connected on a huge 3 pointer in the waning minutes of the game. With the win, RB improves to 4-1 overall with a busy week ahead. The Bulldogs return to action Tuesday, 12/5 with a 7:00 PM home game against Latin High School.
11-26-23 vs. Brother Rice (3-1, 0-0) Leading Scorer: Mercer (20) Leading Rebounder: Cicic (7) Leading Assists: Brown, Cicic (3)
The Riverside Brookfield Varsity Bulldogs lost a tough one to Brother Rice High School, falling 76-62 in the Championship Game of the 20th annual Bill VandeMerkt Thanksgiving Classic. Brother Rice used a 25-15 3rd quarter run to extended a 6 point halftime lead into double digits into the 4th quarter. RB struggled to make shots, shooting 4-13 on 3FG and 8-18 on free throws. Sophomore Cameron Mercer lead the dogs in scoring with 20 points, and senior Stefan Cicic chipped in 19 points and 7 rebounds. Congratulations to tournament champion Brother Rice High School, and thank you to the coaches, players, and fans for the successful completion of another great VendeMerkt classic, one the premiere Thanksgiving basketball tournaments in the Chicagoland area for 20 years running. The Bulldogs return to action this Saturday on the campus of UIC, where they will take on St. Ignatius High School at Noon as part of the prestigious Chicago Elite Classic.
11-24-23 vs. Thornwood (3-0, 0-0) Leading Scorer: Cicic (22) Leading Rebounder: Cicic (8) Leading Assists: Brown (6)
The Riverside Brookfield Varsity Bulldogs won their pool thanks to a hard fought 59-46 victory over Thornwood High School. For the third consecutive game, senior center Stefan Cicic lead the Dogs in scoring, this time contributing 22 points. Cicic overcame early foul trouble, and came out firing after halftime, scoring 18 of his 22 points in the 2nd half. Senior Steven Brown played a great all-around game; scoring 12 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing out a team high 6 assists. Brown was also awarded "Defensive Player of the Game" by the coaching staff after the game. With the victory, the Bulldogs advance to the Championship game of the VendeMert Thanksgiving Classic today (Saturday, 11/25) against Brother Rice High School at 4:30 PM. Come out and support the Bulldogs in what should be an excellent basketball environment!
11-22-23 vs. Hinsdale South (2-0, 0-0) Leading Scorer: Cicic (31) Leading Rebounder: Cicic (10) Leading Assists: Brown (6)
It was an exciting game Wednesday night during game two of the Bill VandeMerkt Thanksgiving classic. Both Riverside Brookfield and Hinsdale South came out firing in what would end up a high scoring and back-and-forth affair. Ultimately, RB was able to hold off a late Hinsdale rally and win the game 86-71. Senior Stefan Cicic was dominating around the basket; scoring 31 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Sophomore Cameron Mercer scored 20 points for RB, and senior Mehki Austin came off the bench to score 13 points and provided a tremendous energy boost and spark on defense. The Bulldogs return to action on Friday, November 24th versus Thornwood High School at 4:30 PM. The winner of that game will win their pool, and advance to the Championship game of the VandeMerkt classic on Saturday. Come out and support the Bulldogs at this great event!
11-21-23 vs. Hancock (1-0, 0-0) Leading Scorer: Cicic (17) Leading Rebounder: Loftus (6) Leading Assists: Brown (6)
The Riverside Brookfield Boys Varsity basketball team kicked off it's season in dominating fashion with a 77-18 win over Handcock High School in game 1 of the Bill VandeMerkt Thanksgiving classic. The Bulldogs came out on fire, taking a 33-3 lead at the end of the 1st quarter and never looked back. Multiple players made winning contributions on the floor. Senior center Stefan Cicic lead all scorers with 17 points, including a couple of thunderous alley-oop dunks that fired up the crowd. Sophomore guard Cameron Mercer scored 11 points, including 3 made three-pointers. The Bulldogs play their 2nd game of the season tonight (Weds 11/22) against Hinsdale South High school at 7:00 PM. The team is looking to keep its momentum going from last night. Please come out and support the Bulldogs and watch some great basketball during the 20th annual Bill VandeMerkt classic!