West Aurora runs away with Larkin

West Aurora's girls basketball team relied on the team approach against Larkin Tuesday night.

Despite only having one player reach double figures - senior guard Carley Frauenhoff with 10 points - the Blackhawks (4-2) achieved season-high offensive production during their 74-32 Upstate Eight Conference crossover victory over the Royals (1-4) in Aurora.

Averaging 42 points over their first 5 games, the Blackhawks nearly reached that number in the first half as they jumped out to a commanding 40-14 halftime advantage.

"This is what we've been waiting for all last year," said Blackhawks' coach Connie Siljendahl, whose team seized control with a 14-2 run over the final 5:03 of the opening quarter. "Each game we're getting better because we're playing as a team. We're relying on each other."

Sophomore guard Skylar Doby (9 points) and junior forward Teryn Griffin (7 points) came off the bench to score 5 points apiece during the Blackhawks' 20-6 first-quarter surge.

"Skylar hasn't been starting because we wanted to focus more on defense and she came in here tonight and had one of her best games ever," said Siljendahl. "She's just out here having fun and playing."

Frauenhoff sparked a 9-0 run in the second quarter by draining a 3-pointer, her second of the period, and sophomore Antoinette Kennebrew (6 points) added back-to-back baskets as the Blackhawks extended their lead to 38-11.

"It was a lot of unselfish basketball and a lot of teamwork," said Frauenhoff. "We can't rely on one person to score - we've got to spread the wealth which we did."

West Aurora, which scored 20 points in each of the first 3 quarters, put the game out of reach with an 11-0 tear in the third period that included a driving layup by senior guard Ashley Williams (8 points, 6 rebounds) and a 3-point basket from freshman Keva Tomas (7 points, 4 rebounds).

"They don't care who does it, they just want to get it done," said Siljendahl.

Sophomore guard Essence Rayford added 6 points for the Blackhawks, who will take a 4-game winning streak into Friday's contest at St. Charles East.

West Aurora limited the Royals to 18 percent shooting (5 for 28) while holding Larkin junior leading scorer Marlee Kyles to 6 points in the first half.

"We knew that she's a real nice player," said Siljendahl. "We didn't play a box-and-one but we made sure everybody knew where she was at on the floor."

Kyles finished with 13 points and 6 rebounds for the Royals.

"I honestly think it's a reality check for us," said Larkin coach Steve Knapp, whose team plays at Elgin High on Friday. "It's definitely a loss that we need to take early in the year and learn from it."