Spartans’ McAuliffe looking to return to court on Friday

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Glenbrook North junior Andrew McAuliffe (right) returns to the Spartans after averaging 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last season. | Joe Cyganowski~for Sun-Times Media

Updated: February 20, 2012 8:57AM

If all goes well, Andrew McAuliffe will be on the court for Glenbrook North later this week.

The Spartans junior, who fractured the patella on his right knee Dec. 6, shot the basketball Saturday for the first time since his injury. The 6-foot-8 forward said Monday he plans to visit the school’s trainers Tuesday and possibly play, however limited, Friday at home against Niles North. The Spartans lead the Vikings by one game in the CSL North standings.

“Saturday was the first time I could actually use both legs,” McAuliffe said. “I’ve been trying to stay in shape. Recently, I’ve been doing some leg exercises and getting on the elliptical machine. I haven’t been running yet.

“This week all depends on how I feel.”

Glenbrook North has held it together with McAuliffe on the bench. The Spartans are 7-3 without him and 13-3 overall. They are 4-1 in league play.

Glenbrook North beat Maine East 75-53 on Friday for its fourth win in a row.

“Everybody’s stepped up,” he said. “I hope to add to that when I get back. I want to keep that winning alive.”

McAuliffe isn’t the only Spartan who’s missed games. Starters Mitchell Lev and Kurt Karis also have been out with injuries this season.

“We are going to have a really deep bench for the rest of this season,” McAuliffe said.