The Pirates were back on the court for a Thursday-Friday double header and kept the good times rolling. Palatine has found themselves on a 3 game win streak, now boasting a 5-3 record.

Friday night the Pirates traveled to Northridge Prep. Putting forth arguably their best defensive performance, Palatine was able to walk out victors by a score of 46-43.

The Pirates started out the game with a burst of energy. Big three’s from senior Charlie Van Dyke and senior Chris Refka put Palatine in a good spot moving forward. The Pirates held the lead at the half 26-16.

Defensive intensity was key in the Pirates victory. Northridge Prep couldn’t get consistent offensive possessions all night.

Van Dyke had a big night from behind the ark, nailing 3 threes, while adding a good defensive effort on the other end of the court.

Senior Jovone Stricker added eight points, while holding Northridge Prep’s star, Hunt, to eleven points.

“I think it was our best defensive game of the year,” said head coach Eric Millstone. The Pirates managed to hold on to a well earned victory against a good Knights team.

Thursday night was a typical MSL West type of game; roll your sleeves up and get down and dirty. The Pirates traveled to Schaumburg (1-6, 0-2 MSL West) to take on the rival Saxons.

Charlie Van Dyke came to play. Posting 4 threes, 14 points total. It wasn’t just Van Dyke carrying the team however, the bench played a huge role in the victory, with Junior Josh Turner adding 7 and Stricker adding 6.

Palatine had a tough time containing Schaumburg Junior Kameron Powell in the first half, but Jovone Stricker put the clamps on him in the second half.

Without shooting a free throw in the first half, the Pirates got to the line 11 times in the second half. Posting a perfect stat for the night, shooting 100% from the line.

“Our guys really did a great job at the line tonight,” Millstone said. “We were patient and were able to get things where we wanted them late.”

When asked about the team effort, Millstone had this to say, “It is more about coming together, trusting one another, having toughness in grinding out a win.” And that’s exact ally what the Pirates did on Thursday night.

The Pirates return to action Tuesday at Rolling Meadows and Friday at Hoffman Estates.