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Lake Zurich finishes what seniors started

It dates back to the days of the Junior Bears.

That's the last time, until now, that those five players got on the court at the same time.

The fivesome in question are Theresa Baumann, Elly Daleske, Rachel Dawson, Megan Holbrook and Allison Trybula.

And all those years later, those five seniors took the court on senior night in Lake Zurich. And give those seniors a hand as they held their own for one quarter with visiting Mundelein before Lake Zurich coach Chris Bennett began substituting with the rest of his roster.

Daleske is a regular in the Bears' starting group. However, she didn't find the hoop until late in the first half. That didn't stop her mojo on this night. Daleske had 8 of Lake Zurich's 10 points in the third quarter.

The Bears (12-13, 5-6) held serve on senior night with a 51-40 win over NSC Lake foe Mundelein.

"It was kind of intimidating,'' Daleske said of senior night. "There was a lot riding on this night. And it's always a tough game with Mundelein."

On the first of three 3-pointers from Mundelein senior Maria DeVito, the Mustangs (9-18, 2-9) jumped up 13-7 early in the second quarter. But that was about the extent of the good news for Mundelein.

Lake Zurich put up 20 points in the second quarter, led by junior Rachel Kuehr, who had 9 of her 13 points in the period.

"We gave up 51 points,'' said Mundelein coach Brian Evans. "We aren't going to win many games like that. We need to hold a team to 40 points or less."

On the other side of the bench, Lake Zurich coach Bennett was pleased with Kuehr's performance.

"That was one of her better shooting nights,'' Bennett said. "And she did a great job on Maggie Mahar."

Mundelein's last lead of the game was 16-14 halfway through the second quarter. The Bears closed the quarter on a 13-2 run.

The third quarter pitted the 3-point attack of Mundelein's DeVito (10 points) and Mahar (12 points). Daleske had half of her 16 points in this quarter.

"When Elly makes up her mind, she can dominate a game,'' Bennett said.

The Mustangs stayed close to the Bears early into the final quarter. Mahar's old fashioned 3-point play cut the Lake Zurich lead to 37-32.

Again the Bears answered the call. Daleske and Frankie Nasca (9 points) tallied and the Bears' lead was restored.

Daleske may be winding down her hoops career. Her next step is Grand Valley State in Michigan, where she will study athletic training.

For Bennett, it's also time to say so long to some worthy adversaries. Like Mundelein seniors, Mahar and Natalie Busscher.

"I'm going to miss those two,'' he said.

This game saw three players foul out. The Bears took advantage of the foul situation and hit 15 of 19 shots free throws.

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