Joe DeCort provides spark for Aurora Christian

Junior forward Joe DeCort knew it would be one of those nights for Aurora Christian.

The Eagles were definitely shorthanded Tuesday night, with junior guard Preston Morel sidelined by strep throat and senior guard Jacob Baumann likely limited by the flu virus.

They knew someone would have to intervene.

Why not the 6-foot-3 DeCort?

“We have to try to win, so it’s the next player,” he said. “We expected it and knew we could do it. I started this season and most games last season after being recalled.

“I knew I just had to go out there and play my best.”

And that’s exactly what DeCort did.

He made 5 of 10 shots from beyond the 3-point line in scoring a season-high 15 points for host Aurora Christian in a 63-60 Chicagoland Christian Conference loss to Chicago Hope in overtime.

An ailing Baumann stepped in to score a team-high 20 points for Aurora Christian (15-4, 4-2). Senior forward Asa Johnson, Northern Illinois football’s rookie quarterback, added 18.

Senior point guard TyJuan Hunter, a two-time first-team all-state selection, scored a game-high 33 points for visiting Hope (17-6, 7-1). He attacked the basket for layups, hit floaters and pull-ups or drew fouls. He made 10 of 13 free throws.

“Our goal was to not let No. 3 shoot because he can shoot it from anywhere,” DeCort said of Hunter.

Aurora Christian kept things close throughout as each team’s largest lead was six points.

Without Morel and with Baumann limited, Aurora Christian coach Dan Beebe threw Hope a curveball with a 1-2-2 zone defense.

“I think the kids fought,” Beebe said. “We’re not a zone team. We don’t play a lot of zone but we played it exclusively, just because from a personal standpoint it was a tough game for us.”

Two weeks earlier, the Eagles beat Newark 57-41, giving Beebe his 200th career victory at the school in his 10th season. His teams won seven regional and three sectional championships and twice made it to the Upstate. He has a winning percentage of .719 with an overall record of 202-79.

That night, the thin, long-arm DeCort made an impact up front at the top of the zone.

“Kid has been with us for three years and has been a hard worker,” Johnson said of DeCort. “He wasn’t exactly the most physical, but coach worked with him and he learned a lot about defense and rebounding.

“I feel like that’s what got him on the court and he can shoot as well.”

DeCort grabbed five rebounds and made some big shots late. His 3-pointer with 2:21 left in regulation cut the deficit to 49-48. He then forced overtime and a 53-53 deadlock on another 3-pointer with 1:03 left.

On top of that, DeCort’s final 3-pointer cut Hope’s overtime lead to 61-58.

“As we got there, you could tell by the mood in the room that everyone was thinking about who we were missing,” Johnson said. “We knew someone had to step up and I would say Joe did.

“He not only made a bunch of threes, but also made some threes in prime time when we needed them the most. I feel like that game was really important for him. I hope in the future he continues that momentum.”

Beebe has confidence in DeCort’s ability to shoot the ball.

“He was always a very good shooter,” Beebe said. “To see him step up and shoot with confidence. That’s what we see in practice. To see that in a game, it’s really cool.

“I think what we’ve always had when we have guys down is always someone stepping up and Joe DeCort stepped up (Tuesday night). He’s always had it in him, but he stepped up in a big way for us.”