Cashaw a tower of power for Stevenson

• Reprints

Jalen Brunson of the Patriots drives the lane against Mundelein's Jordan Wiegold during Friday's contest. | Darrell Harmon~For Sun-Times Media

Updated: February 20, 2012 8:17AM

At 6-foot-6, Colby Cashaw is a man among boys, but it’s more than just size that make him such a valuable asset to the Stevenson High School boys basketball team.

“His passion for the game, and commitment to working hard, rubs off on all of us,” said Patriots senior guard Michael Fleming. “He leads by example, which I think is especially helpful for some of our younger guys who don’t have as much varsity experience.”

On the glass, Cashaw is nearly impossible to contain. Not only can he get off the floor like a pogo stick, but he’s instinctive and tenacious as well.

“He’s an incredible athlete, and has amazing hand-eye coordination,” Fleming said. “He does a great job of getting his hands on the ball, and just never quits. As a shooter, it’s reassuring knowing that he’s down there to either put it back in, or kick it out to give the offense another opportunity.”

Despite the Patriots’ recent shooting woes, Cashaw has helped keep Stevenson in every game by hauling down offensive rebounds for two, three, and even occasionally, four shots on a single possession.

In Friday night’s 59-51 loss at Mundelein, the Patriots struggled to find a rhythm, but — as a result of taking a multitude of shots — managed to pull within six points at 49-43 with 4:33 remaining.

“When you look at the stat sheet and see you shot 22-for-66 from the field, you’re obviously not going to be all that happy,” said Stevenson coach Pat Ambrose. “But when you take a look at their numbers and see that we got up 20 more shots than them, you can’t help but be a little optimistic. If we continue getting that many more shots than our opponents, we’re in good shape. Statistically speaking, the percentages skyrocket when you get multiple shot attempts per possession.”

Fleming finished with a team-high 16 points, and Cashaw added 12.

Patriots who have begun initiating more high pick and rolls with Cashaw, and either Fleming or freshman guard Jalen Brunson, are hoping that helps revive the offense.

“It’s an area of the game that we’re getting better at — slowly but surely,” Ambrose said. “It’s all a matter of timing and execution. Getting a sense of when to attack off the dribble, when to pull up and when to dish it to Colby. I think both Mike and Jalen enjoy having the ball in their hands, and have the ability to make good decisions. Now it’s about practicing it in order for everyone to be on the same page.”

Although the Patriots have suffered a few consecutive losses, Ambrose is by no means in panic mode.

“All good teams have to be able to deal with losing,” Ambrose said.

Recap: The Patriots (10-6, 3-3) also dropped an overtime game to Grant on Saturday 60-56.

Brunson and Fleming had 12 points apiece. Andy Stempel scored nine, while Matt Morrissey finished with seven.

On the schedule: The Pats visit Zion-Benton on Friday (7:30 p.m..)