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Huntley clinches 3rd straight conference crown

After allowing Crystal Lake South 18 points in the first quarter, Huntley coach Steve Raethz realized his Red Raiders would have to play better defense in the final 3 quarters.

Raethz's troops certainly clamped down on the Gators defensively during the final 24 minutes of play.

Holding South to only 13 points and 3 baskets in the last 3 quarters, Huntley's defensive effort was enough to produce a 45-31 win in Fox Valley Conference Valley Division action in Huntley Wednesday night.

The win gives the Red Raiders (24-3, 9-0) their third straight division title and 31 straight conference wins.

"South had us on our heels in the first quarter," said Raethz. "We really didn't change anything defensively we just played better on the defensive end the last 3 quarters. It is quite an accomplishment in this league to win 3 straight division championships."

Crystal Lake South coach Mark Mucha was impressed with Huntley's defense the last 3 quarters.

"We got off to a great start and were able to run our offense in the first quarter," said Mucha. "Their pressure really got to us in the last 3 quarters. They do a great job of jumping the passing lanes."

Connecting on 7-of-10 shots for 70 percent, the Gators (18-9, 6-3) led 18-10 after 1 quarter. Annika Sevcik scored 6 points and Chanel Fanter tallied 5 points including a 3-pointer.

Huntley, which scored the final 2 points of the first quarter on a layup by Ali Andrews, scored the first 9 points of the second quarter to complete a 11-0 run. Andrews scored 9 points during the run as Huntley led 19-18 with 1:16 left in the first half.

With Andrews scoring 13 points, the Raiders held a 23-22 lead at halftime.

Huntley's biggest lead of the second half was 42-27 after a 12-footer by Madeline Moffett with 2:46 left in the game.

Andrews paced Huntley with 26 points which included 13-of-14 from the free-throw line.

"We didn't play good defense in the first quarter," said Andrews. "The last 3 quarters all 5 players on the floor played well on defense. We played as a unit. All the hard work over the years has paid off with 3 straight conference championships."

Fanter paced the Gators with 14 including a pair of 3s.

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