Lyons off to undefeated start behind a suffocating defense

Lyons started the game taken aback by Maine South’s physicality. The Hawks were controlling the glass and moving the ball with precision. But starting in the second quarter, the Lions shifted their defensive strategy to an aggressive 1-3-1 defense in the halfcourt that flipped the game in their favor.

At the top of the 1-3-1 was 6-1 junior Emma O’Brien, with 6-2 Stanford commit Nora Ezike in the middle. Both players have long wingspans that allow them to cause havoc on defense.

Their relentlessness helped Lyons beat Maine South 59-53 at the Chicagoland Showcase at Fremd in Palatine.

At 8-0, the Lions are off to their best start since the 2022-23 season, when they went 28-5. They’ve already knocked off Benet and St. Ignatius, two of the better teams in the state, with their defensive tenacity.

“We’ve been using the [1-3-1] for the past three years,” said O’Brien, who had 18 points and six rebounds. “Every team struggles so much with it. [The 1-3-1] helps our transition offense so much, which is a vital part of our team.”

The Lions trailed 17-13 after the first quarter. But after switching to the 1-3-1, they held the Hawks to just seven points in the second quarter. Forcing turnovers also allowed Ezike — who’s ranked No. 84 in the country, according to ESPN — to get into a rhythm offensively.

Ezike scored 23 points, with many coming after she poked a ball loose or had a steal. There’s not many players in the area who have the length and quickness to keep up with her in the open court.

“Nora is just so explosive,” coach Meghan Hutchens said. “The conversation we had was for her to keep attacking the basket. That’s her game, and she can’t stop doing it. She gave us that energy and effort in the full court that we needed.”

Hutchens was proud of her team’s composure. After trailing by 10 points, Maine South rallied to cut the lead to two in the fourth quarter. But Lyons had a response every time. O’Brien said that calmness came from Ezike, who scored six of the team’s nine points in the fourth quarter.

“She’s always so calm,” O’Brien said. “Even if she’s having a bad game, she’ll keep us all together. Her defensive presence is so intimidating for the other team.”

Having O’Brien at the top of the 1-3-1 creates indecision for opposing guards. A pass that’s considered easy is instead tipped up in the air and stolen.

“Emma is difficult out there,” Hutchens said. “She’s long, lengthy and sneaky. She’ll poke the ball out when you’re least expecting it, and if she gets you a few times, she gets in your head.”

The talent was always there for the Lions, but now they’re showing the necessary resolve and consistency needed to have a successful season.

“We need to keep that momentum, keep playing well and lock in,” Ezike said.