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Fremd makes it four straight MSL titles by topping Buffalo Grove

As a freshman, Brianna Lewis started one of the most dominant runs in Mid-Suburban League girls basketball championship game history when her buzzer-beating 3-pointer in overtime lifted Fremd past Rolling Meadows in 2013.

On Wednesday night in Palatine, she helped the Vikings win a record-tying fourth straight MSL title by scoring a game-high 21 points with 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals in a commanding 52-37 triumph over Buffalo Grove.

“One word,” said Fremd coach Dave Yates to describe his dynamic 5-foot-2 senior guard: “Winner.”

Just like Yates has been since taking over the program. He has steered the Vikings into the title game a record seven straight years, and Fremd has won five of the last six.

Ranked the No. 1 team among the state's biggest schools (Class 4A), Fremd played the part in terrific fashion when it started out with a 16-0 lead after one quarter.

The Vikes did not allow a basket until BG senior guard Amanda Kowalski's 3-pointer with 3:45 left in the second quarter made it 21-7.

Fremd (24-2) tied the record set by its own program, which won four straight under hall of fame coach Carol Plodzien from 1973 to 1977, and from 2001 to 2004.

“We've had a real lot of good players come through here,” Yates said. “I've been fortunate enough to coach this group. They're experienced, play well together and I know that helped us win this game.”

The Vikes' full court pressure helped get them off to the big start, ignited by Elmhurst College recruit Amanda McCartney's 3-pointer with 6:37 to go in the opening period.

Lewis slid under defenders for a crafty layup and classmate Bryana Hopkins (7 points, 10 rebounds) - the MSL West's player of the year - made a big drive from left of the free throw lane to make it 7-0 with 4:40 left.

“We came ready to play,” Lewis said. “We kept playing hard like coach told us to, and I'm really proud of my team.”

Junior Grace Tworek, who finished with 10 points, 4 steals and 2 rebounds, played a key defensive role and blocked 4 shots.

Erin Lenahan, the only other Viking on the 2013 team, chipped in 4 points, including the driving layup at the first-quarter buzzer that made it 16-0.

“We talked all week about emotion and settling into the game,” said Bison coach Steve Kolodziej, who had BG (22-5) playing in its first title game since 2008. “It just took a little longer than we anticipated.

“You've got to give Fremd credit. Their defense did an excellent job. Once we got through the first quarter, we started to play a little more of our style of basketball.”

Kowalski led the Bison with a career-high 16 points, including four 3-pointers.

“It's hard to come back from that a kind of a hole,” said the Butler soccer recruit. “But we had confidence that we could do it. Once you get that deep in a hole, it's tough. We'll just prepare for the state tournament now and go one game at a time.”

Senior Sammy Stejskal added 10 points for BG and classmate Natalie Dimitrova had 6.

“Amanda did a great job stepping up but that's what we needed,” Kolodziej added. “We know everyone is going to take away Maddie Welter (MSL East Player of the Year) and Sammy Stejskal. So we need other kids to step up.

“We challenged Amanda early in the game and she responded. It just took a few more minutes than we hoped, but she played outstanding.”

Lewis was outstanding with her all-around game.

“She did a nice job, she's tough to defend,” Kolodziej said. “It's hard to simulate her speed, hard to simulate everything does. She's a heck of a basketball player.”

Fremd led by as many as 20 points and never let BG closer than 15 in the second half.

“They're No. 1 for a reason,” Kolodziej said. “But I have all the confidence in my girls that we'll be ready for the regional and go from there. We really hope to play them (Fremd) again in two weeks. That's our goal.”

Lewis finished with 9 field goals, five in the first half and three in the second.

“Brianna always steps up on the big stage,” Yates said. “I'm proud of the whole group. These guys have played in a lot of big games and they know how to play in them.

“Credit Buffalo Grove, Once they got going, they started to chip way at the lead. But the thing I liked the most is that we always had an answer.”

Just like they have in the last four championship games, the first when Lewis answered the call as a rookie hitting the shot of her career.

Now she, and Lenahan, are two players of an elite group to win four league crowns.

Images: Fremd vs. Buffalo Grove girls basketball

  Fremd's Brianna Lewis drives to the basket for a layup against Buffalo Grove's defense, including Natali Dimitrova, right, during the Mid-Suburban League championship game in Palatine on Wednesday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  Fremd's Brianna Lewis drives for a layup with Buffalo Grove's Georgette Topalis defending during the Mid-Suburban League championship game in Palatine on Wednesday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.comBuffalo Grove's Georgette Topalis, left, and Fremd's Bryana Hopkins battle for control of a loose ball during the Mid-Suburban League championship game in Palatine on Wednesday.
  Fremd's Grace Tworek makes an outlet pass from her back after getting to a loose ball ahead of Buffalo Grove's Megan Gamber during the Mid-Suburban League championship game in Palatine on Wednesday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
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