A reliable scorer and an unsung freshman played critical roles as the Chaparrals took control in the second half in their 83-72 in N4C men's play Wednesday night.
 
David Spell led the Chaps with a career-high 28 points and reserve Austin Esterly hit four 3-pointers and 16 points. Jason Peace scored 18 points.
 
Spell earned a double-double with 14 rebounds, and Jason Peace was a rebound sky of a double-double.
 
The Chaps, who led 18-15 with 10:26 left in the first half, struck with an 18-5 run over a five-minute span. Their largest first-half lead was 18 and they went into the break ahead 48-30.
 
Joliet, thanks to Trey Wornica's 34 points, got as close as three points before Esterly hit three 3-pointers that put the Chaps up 67-56 with 7:39 left.
 
Patrick Shaughnessy had seven points off the bench and Donnell Fraley added six.

Up in the air
Spell threw down two dunks in the first half on alley-opp passes from Esterly and Franklin Montgomery. Those dunks occurred during the Chaps' pivotal run. Spell's point total surpassed his previous career-high of 27, scored last season against Madison.
 
Sophomore Night
The Chaparrals honored Montgomery,  Peace and Spell in a pregame ceremony.
 
What's Next?
The Chaparrals close the season Saturday at Rock Valley College.