Tough defense sparks Cary-Grove

It is hard to win when you shoot 28 percent from the field, 20 percent from 3-point range and commit 23 turnovers.

Cary-Grove was able to overcome a miserable offensive effort with stifling, pressure and harassing defense.

Holding McHenry to 8 field goals, the Trojans were able slug their way to a 36-25 win over the host Warriors in Fox Valley Conference Valley Division girls basketball action at McHenry Saturday.

“This game was a carbon copy of our game earlier in the season,” said Cary-Grove coach Rod Saffert, whose team beat McHenry 37-18 earlier in the season. “That was our best effort this season on defense for 32 minutes. We ran some different things on defense and the kids played with a lot of intensity. You have to mix things up the second time you play someone. On offense, we had the desire to score but we rushed a lot of shots and the kids knew. We will have better offensive nights. Today we won with defense.”

Holding a 10-point 23-13 lead after three quarters, the Trojans (13-8, 8-1) seized control of the game by scoring the first 6 points of the fourth quarter.

Olivia Jakubicek canned 2 free throws, Megan Leisten made a 15-footer from the baseline and Paige Lincicum had a putback as the Trojans extended a 10-point lead to 16, 29-13, with 5:45 remaining in the game.

McHenry whittled away at the lead and got to within 8, 31-23, on 2 free throws by Brenna Hartman with 1:10 left. The Warriors didn’t get any closer.

McHenry, which made only 8-of-40 shots for 20 percent, was 1-of-10 from 3-point range. The Cary-Grove defense also forced 22 McHenry turnovers.

“Our defensive focus was to front the post and get help side help,” said Lincicum. “Coach really stresses defense and we played very well on defense tonight. We incorporated some different defenses and we did a good job of switching on our men. It was one of our better defensive efforts of the season. We took care of business.”

Lincicum led the Trojans with 11 points including a 3-pointer to go along with 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Jakubicek, who was 0-of-9 from the floor, connected on 8 free throws for 8 points before fouling out with 1:20 remaining in the contest.

Megan Mortell led the Warriors with 8 points and 10 rebounds while Emma Rome scored 7 while dishing out 4 assists.