Ailing Williams steps up for Central

DESPITE BATTLING a nasty bug all week, Central junior forward Kahlil Williams stepped up yesterday when he noticed the Lancers' usual lamppost wasn't quite himself.

The result was a 42-36 victory over visiting Public League C foe Olney Charter, which gave the Lancers (12-2, 7-0) control of the division.

So, how about calling this one Williams' Michael Jordan flu game?

"Uh, you could say that," Williams said with laughter and a playful pause.

Chris Bing, the Lancers' 6-7 senior center and usual stalwart, had been the team's scoring leader in all but one game this Pub season. However, it was 16 from Williams (nine in the final frame) that helped seal the victory.

"Last year, we lost to them, so I know this was a big game for us," he said. "I tried to step up when I realized a couple of people were struggling."

After 11-11 halftime gridlock turned into a 22-all tie to begin the fourth, Williams went 3-for-4 from the field (five of nine overall) and 3-for-3 at the foul line in the final 8 minutes.

He also finished with eight rebounds and two steals before fouling out with 1:53 left in the game.

"I know my role," said Williams, a junior. "Chris, we go to him for a lot of points and a lot of help on defense. I try to keep everybody in the game and lead by example."

Bing contributed 12 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Junior guard Gregory Holdsman had five rebounds and three assists.

For Olney (8-4, 4-3), the senior guard-forward tandem of Shakeem Stevens and Tyheim Monroe finished with 13 each and also each shot 5-for-15 from the field. Monroe, an athletic 6-5 forward, added seven rebounds and four steals.

But it was Williams, a West Oak Lane resident, who helped the Lancers seize the best medicine.

"I'm feeling good right now," Williams said. "Mostly because of the win."