Masini leads Palatine past Deerfield in 2 OTs
Monica Masini is playing in the Blue Devil Classic at Warren High School for the fourth straight year.
Palatine's senior center would love to go out in style, and she sure got off to stylish start on Saturday afternoon.
Masini scored a career-high 22 points and pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds as the Pirates survived Deerfield 49-44 in double overtime for their second win in as many nights.
On Friday night, the Pirates were 44-41 winners over Schaumburg in the Mid-Suburban West.
"Everyone is just realizing what we need to do to win," said Masini, who also blocked 2 shots on Saturday. "We've been sticking to those things real well and hopefully it will keep going."
After a 2-2 tie in the first OT, the Pirates (5-6) were going strong in the second extra session outscoring the Warriors 10-5.
Deerfield posted a 45-43 triumph over Maine West the night before to pull into a first-place tie in the Central Suburban North.
"It was really team effort to get this win," Masini said. "Everyone stayed strong throughout the game."
Masini's previous high was 17 points her sophomore season.
"Monica was on her game for sure," said Palatine coach Mark Johnson. "Her intensity was at a high level. It was fun to watch."
Johnson watched Ashley Shapiro chip in 14 points with 6 rebounds after the junior forward had scored a game-high 22-point performance the night before against Schaumburg.
"Ashley was creating opportunities by playing better defense and that leads to points for her," Johnson said. "Ashley is playing well. She is getting to the rim and playing hard on defense. She played great again today."
Pirates senior Maria Charlier and freshman Sydney Rzepka each grabbed 8 rebounds and junior teammate Carrissa Multon had 7.
Senior guard Katie Conklin collected 3 steals and had an assist while Charlier, Multon and junior Cora Jacobsen each had 2 assists.
"Our guards did a good job getting Monica (Masini) the ball," Johnson added. "Our girls have grown up so much in the last 24 hours. It's a testament to who they are. They're great kids and I could not be happier for them."