Lake Forest’s Asa Thomas runs into a buzz saw against Warren. Clemson assistant Billy Donlon can relate.

Warren threw plenty of bodies at Lake Forest star Asa Thomas on Tuesday.

That was nothing new for the 6-foot-8 guard/forward.

“Anytime you play Warren, especially in its gym, it’s going to be a physical battle,” Thomas said. “This game was no exception.”

Even Clemson associate head coach Billy Donlon, who was in the gym watching his prize recruit, knows what it’s like to play Warren. In 1995, Donlon led Glenbrook North to a 47-44 win against the Blue Devils in a Class AA supersectional at Northwestern.

“I think the game is more physical in the North Suburban Conference than it is in the ACC,” Donlon said. “They really let the teams play, and it’s a physical brand of basketball.”

Thomas scored 33 points in Lake Forest’s previous game but didn’t have much room to operate against Warren senior forward Adam Panek, who guarded him closely. When Thomas did touch the ball, several defenders usually joined Panek in muscling him up.

Nonetheless, Thomas scored a game-high 14 points to lead the Scouts to a hard-fought 34-30 conference win.

“Panek is a good player, and Warren had a good game plan ready for us,” Thomas said. “We fortunately hit a few more shots in the second half to keep us ahead.”

Lake Forest coach Phil LaScala, who recorded his 300th career victory, had hoped his team would be better prepared for the way Warren defended Thomas. The Scouts (17-10, 8-4) were strong defensively, too, forcing 18 turnovers and preventing the Blue Devils (15-14, 6-6) from getting in sync offensively.

“We have to do a better job when that happens,” LaScala said. “We need to cut better and do a better job finishing at the basket once we do make the pass.”

After each team managed just two points in the first quarter, Thomas and junior guard Tommie Aberle got going on the offensive end to put the Scouts ahead 12-9 at halftime.

Thomas found a few more openings in Warren’s defense in the second half to score nine of his 14 points, including several free throws in the final moments to keep Lake Forest in the lead.

“We want to keep playing well so we can be ready for the state playoffs,” Thomas said. “The more wins we get now, the better seed we will get for the playoffs.”

Lake Forest has won 10 of 12 games heading into the seeding for the Class 3A Grayslake Central Sectional later this week. The Scouts will host a regional this season.

“We got to the sectional final last year before losing to St. Patrick, so we want get back to that game and try to go even farther this season,” Thomas said.

He noted the victory against Warren was special.

“It’s a pretty big deal for us to help coach get to 300,” he said. “He’s one of the best coaches in the state of Illinois, and I’m glad I get to play for him for a few more game this season.”

Thomas will get an opportunity to play for a different coaching staff at Clemson. He signed his national letter of intent in November.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “I got a chance to go down there again in the fall to see all the coaches and players, and I think I’m really going to fit it there. I also saw a football game, so that was cool.”

Thomas has just three regular-season games left before the state series begins.

“It’s hard to believe my high school career is almost over,” he said. “It seemed to go so fast. That’s why we need to keep playing at a high level the rest of the way, to keep our season going as long as we can.”

Darren Day is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.