Boys Basketball: Glenbrook North big man McAuliffe cautious on return to court

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Northbrook Friday 01.20.12. Niles North's Tafari Beckford (left) (10) battles Glenbrook North's Mitchell Lev (right) (22) during their game on Friday, January 20, 2012, in Northbrook. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media

Updated: February 27, 2012 8:41AM

Glenbrook North got one step closer to becoming healthy on Friday, but the Spartans still are without Andrew McAuliffe.

And chances are, they may be without the 6-foot-8 junior for the rest of the season.

Even though McAuliffe’s fractured patella has healed, his knee is too weak for strenuous activity. McAuliffe tried to practice last week, but he bailed and returned to rehab to build up more strength.

“It didn’t go well,” Glenbrook North coach Dave Weber said of McAuliffe’s attempt to return. “There’s no way he can play right now, and we don’t know when that will happen.”

The Spartans did welcome back Mitchell Lev, who suffered a concussion against Glenbrook South on Jan. 3. Lev played in Friday’s 56-54 loss to Niles North after not practicing at all.

“Lev will start getting stronger from here on out,” Weber said.

The loss to the Vikings dropped the Spartans into a three-way conference tie with Niles North and Highland Park at 4-2. Glenbrook North was scheduled to play Prospect on Tuesday and will face Deerfield on Friday.

Weber said McAuliffe’s status now will be reviewed weekly, rather than daily.

“I know he wants to play, but it’s up in the air whether he will or not,” the coach said. “I don’t want to risk any more future injuries because he has a bright future ahead of him.”

Jan Siegien is one player who’s seen his time on the court increase with the squad’s injuries. The 6-3 freshman has played significant minutes in 2012, as Kurt Karis, Lev and McAuliffe have all missed time.

“(Siegien) still struggles in certain situations because he has not played varsity before,” Weber said. “But his playing time has increased, and it will continue to increase because we are getting a little worn down.”