The beat goes on for Andrew’s Athan Berchos. And that’s just fine for the sophomore guard. ‘I like to play fast.’

Andrew’s Athan Berchos lives for the moment.

Everything is still somewhat new for the sophomore guard in his first season on the varsity as the primary orchestrator of the Thunderbolts’ attack. But it’s getting there.

“I like to play fast,” Berchos said. “Really push the ball and get it to the other shooters and get everyone involved.”

Consider it done Tuesday night as Berchos scored seven points with five assists and two steals for a 66-56 SouthWest Suburban Red victory over Stagg in Tinley Park.

As the youngest starter for Andrew, Berchos has worked exceptionally hard to elevate his game to match up with a savvy, experienced team.

“I worked really hard on my game like ball handling and defense,” he said. “Just playing really hard on both ends of the floor.”

Good from beginning to end, senior forward Nathan LaPlant scored 18 points for Andrew (16-11, 6-1), which stayed in a tie atop the conference standings.

Junior center Grantas Sakenis added 17 points, eight rebounds and two blocked shots. Senior forward Austin Kulig scored 14 points.

Junior guard Lebarion Gilmore led Stagg (12-14, 3-4) with 13 points. His hot early shooting from distance kept the Chargers in the game.

“I have learned to get to the basket,” Gilmore said. “Also get my teammates involved instead of being a more laid-back player.”

Junior forward Connor Williams also scored 13 points for Stagg. Sophomore forward Domas Narcevicius added 11 points and six rebounds.

“I am an aggressive guy when I am out there,” Gilmore said. “I like to be very unselfish with the ball, though I can score.

“As a team I feel like we’re right there. We have to learn how to get over that hill.”

A three-sport athlete who plays quarterback in football and runs sprints in track, Gilmore showed flair in the open court and a cool style under pressure.

“Our season has been up and down,” Gilmore said. “The past eight games, I have been very consistent, averaging about 10 points and just bringing a lot of energy to the team.”

A series of talks with Andrew coach Dave Wilson, meanwhile, convinced Sakenis he was on the right developmental track.

“I struggled with my confidence,” he said. “But my coach told me to stop worrying about it. I just kept going and that helped a lot.”

Like Berchos, Sakenis has come of age during his first full season on varsity.

Big men develop at different times and rates.

Sakenis also has the example of older brother Arnas, a freshman center at SIU Edwardsville, as a favorable comparison.

“Arnas was very long, a natural shot blocker, a very good defender, but he was rough around the rim,” Wilson said. “Grantas has played a lot more than Arnas did as a junior. You see there is still a lot of room to grow.

“He has had a taste of success, and it’s a question of whether he wants to take it a step further.”

Taking it further, the 6-foot Berchos has the versatility to play either guard position. He balances size, court awareness and a feel for the game.

His shooting touch optimizes every aspect of his play. Defenses have to respect his shot, then come out and guard him.

“That just expands every part of my game,” Berchos said. “Because the centers have to play up to the 3-point line.”

Berchos’ ability to pressure at the top of the attack is just an added benefit.

“My defense is the biggest part of my improvement,” he said. “The coaches and my teammates have really helped me with that. It helps me play really hard out there.”

Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.