Another impressive win for Fremd
A few weeks ago, Fremd's girls basketball team defeated last year's Class 4A state runner-up, Rolling Meadows.
On Saturday, the Vikings defeated last year's Class 3A runner-up Joliet Catholic.
Led by senior Haley Gorecki's 31 points, 9 rebounds and 5 steals, Fremd became the first Mid-Suburban League team to reach double-digit wins (10-1) with a 60-56 triumph in the Chi Town Showdown at Whitney Young High School in Chicago.
The Angels are coached by former West Aurora High star Kenny Battle, who served as an assistant for last year's 28-3 team.
Battle was the captain for the 1989 Illinois team nicknamed the Flyin' Illini and he went on to play in the NBA.
His daughter, Ty, a heavily recruited sophomore, paced the Angels with 15 points on Saturday.
Gorecki, who has signed with Duke, shook off a bout of illness, to register one of her top games of the season.
"Haley showed what a warrior she was tonight," said Fremd coach Dave Yates. "To play the way she did, feeling the way she did, was pretty amazing."
Gorecki had plenty of support. Leading that effort were junior Brianna Lewis (10 points, 4 assists) and junior Bryana Hopkins (10 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals).
"Lewis and Hopkins really stepped up," Yates said. "They played well on both ends of the floor."
The Vikings, who were up by 6 points at half, grabbed 12 offensive rebounds as a team.
JCA battled back to tie the game after three quarters.
Fremd jumped ahead on a layup by Gorecki and a 3-point play Lewis.
The Vikings converted 7 of 10 shots free throws down the stretch.
"I was proud of how we managed the end of the game," Yates said. "Joliet Catholic is a very good team. Beating them in this atmosphere will do nothing but help us down the road.
"We love coming here, the gym is electric, the crowd is into every play and it is a great atmosphere to play in."
Erin Lenahan (6 points) and Julie Wacker (3 points) also scored for Fremd.
Sophomore standout Grace Tworek did not play for Fremd after injuring her knee in practice earlier this week. Yates said she will have an MRI on Monday.
Yates said many college scouts were on hand Saturday, including those from DePaul, SMU, Pittsburgh, Ohio State, Texas Tech, Indiana, Georgia and Marquette,
"Our nonconference slate has been brutal so far, but it is what this teams needs," said Yates, whose club's only loss is at Hersey (47-43). "We don't need lopsided wins for these games. We need close games and tough opponents like this. We are proud that we seek the best and play the best."
Later this week, the Vikings head to Arizona for the Nike Tournament of Champions.
"We are very excited to hit the road," Yates added. "We will see some amazing teams and we will be tested each game we are out there. It also isn't going to hurt being in better weather."
Rolling Meadows 42, Vernon Hills 33: Sophomore guard Kelsey Nallon scored a career-high 14 points to lead visiting Rolling Meadows (6-3) in the nonconference game. Sophomore Morgan Campagna added 7 points while sophomore Kyra Spiwak, junior Megan King and sophomore Katherine Nolan each chipped in 6 points.
Nallon and King each had a pair of 3-pointers.
"Kelsey Nallon was the difference in the game for us," said Mustangs coach Ryan Kirkorsky. "I was proud of our defensive effort."
Elk Grove 45, Maine South 35: Senior center Amber Lindfors scored 13 points and Sarah Pauscher to lead the host Grenadiers (3-6) in the nonconference game.
Alex Masnica and Sarah Pauscher each had a pair of 3-pointers while Taylor Matos and Marjorie Sloan added 1 apiece.
Hampshire 49, Palatine 32: Senior center Monica Masini, a four-year varsity payer, led the Pirates (3-7) with 13 points while senior guard Katie Conklin added 7.