Fonda, Glenbard South seniors get a win in home finale
Yes, seven Glenbard South girls basketball seniors played the final regular-season home game Saturday. And yes, it was the last regular-season home game for coach Julie Fonda.
But the Raiders' 57-38 victory over Wheaton Academy showed that the team has plenty left to say on the court this season.
Fonda is retiring as basketball coach after 10 years but will remain assistant athletic director and softball coach.
"We were making posters for (Fonda) before the game and talking about all she has done for us and the least we can do is go all out for her," said senior Sydney Bauman, who scored a game-high 30 points. "She's been there for me. She's basically a second mom. I'm so grateful to her. I wouldn't have gotten a scholarship (to Southern Illinois-Edwardsville) without her."
The Raiders (19-3, 9-0 Metro Suburban West) faced a strong challenge for the Warriors (12-7, 2-5) for the first three quarters, but Wheaton Academy scored only 3 points in the final eight minutes, which helped Glenbard South break the game open.
"(The Warriors) have some nice players and we did not look past them," Fonda said. "They've competed in the rest of the conference. They've had some close games."
Glenbard South led 16-9 after the first quarter. The Raiders started shooting hot but cooled off somewhat finishing 7 of 16 from the field. Wheaton Academy was 3 of 16.
The Warriors' offense would heat up the next two quarters with the team shooting a combined 9 of 16 including 4 of 6 in the third quarter. The team stayed within striking distance of the Raiders, trailing just 30-24 at halftime and 44-35 at the end of 24 minutes.
Wheaton Academy coach Beth Mitchell was pleased with how her team battled the first three quarters. She wasn't pleased with the way the Warriors finished the game.
"We need to continue to battle whatever the score. We know we can play with anyone in the conference and not settle to be an average team," Mitchell said. "We lost our discipline and focus down the stretch against a good team. But we played well against them for three quarters."
Jamie Netzley and Elizabeth Melby led the Warriors in scoring with 11 points. The Raiders' Ivana Markovic also scored 11.
Crucial to the Raiders' success this season has been their passing, and that was evident again when the Raiders were extremely patient on offense and passed until they found the shot they wanted.
"We are definitely reaping the benefits of good passing. Payton (Carli) made some good passes and Ivana made some good passes," Fonda said.
The Glenbard South coach said she wanted Saturday to be about her team's seven seniors. But she was grateful for all the well-wishers at the game, including many former players. She and those seven seniors were honored after the game.
"Looking across the court and seeing all those former players was sweet and it was awesome for them to come," Fonda said.