As some Public League basketball powers have faded in recent years, Curie keeps chugging along, thanks to a familiar formula.
Veteran coach Mike Oliver’s trademarks are stifling defense, going deep into his bench and not relying on one or two players for scoring.
The Condors followed that blueprint to their second Public League title in three seasons on Feb. 20, beating Lincoln Park 59-50 at UIC’s Credit Union 1 Arena.
Senior guard Justin Oliver, a first-team All-City pick, had 15 points, seven assists and four steals to lead Curie, which wrapped up a 26-1 regular season. Senior forward Kendall Holliday had a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds, and 6-8 senior Keith Collins had 11 points, seven rebounds and three blocks off the bench.
Though Lincoln Park (20-8) hung tough, Justin Oliver put an exclamation point on the night with a high-flying dunk off a fast break with 2:10 left. He hit two free throws at 1:49, Curie’s lead was 54-43 and the game was in hand.
The Condors, whose only loss was to Benet at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament in December, have bigger goals than a city title.
“We don’t want our last game in these jerseys to be a loss,” Justin Oliver said. “So we’re gonna fight. I knew from the first game here (at UIC in December) when we played Warren that this was a special group and we just keep on, gonna keep going.”
“It feels amazing because of all of the hard work and all of the countless nights that we put in to get here,” Holliday said of the city title. “It feels good because it’s finally paying off. But we do have another goal that we have to get to.
“So we’re gonna celebrate, don’t get me wrong. But we’re not gonna celebrate too hard. We’re gonna get back in the gym and work on some more things that we need to work on so we can get to this state (title) goal.”
Justin Oliver — who isn’t related to his coach but whose dad also played for Mike Oliver — will be working, too.
“Justin is just a good kid,” Mike Oliver said. “Special kid. Every now and then we get these type of dogs come to Curie. Justin is who Justin is. He came in with no name, he (leaves) out first team All-City.
“He’s a quiet killer and that’s what Curie (does). We just sneak up on people and grind it out.”
The grinding is a little easier, thanks to Collins.
“I told people at the beginning of the year when they asked what we (were) gonna do with (Collins), I said we’re saving him for these types of games where we need him to be the airplane out there,” Mike Oliver said. “Just be big, cause havoc. And any points he (gives) us, that would be a bonus.”
Collins has acclimated well since transferring from Hyde Park.
“I’m a transfer so it’s new for me,” he said. “It’s an adjustment but I’m getting used to it. I’ve been on and off the court this season, It’s been nice, though. I like the rotation, I believe in the coach, I trust the program.”