Hampshire overcomes Prairie Ridge

Good solid defense and just enough offensive production.

That aptly describe Hampshire's 44-36 victory over Prairie Ridge in Fox Valley Conference girls basketball action in Crystal Lake Friday night.

The Whip-Purs (11-7, 6-3) were victorious despite 25 turnovers and a 5-point third quarter.

"We have played well at the defensive end all season long," said Hampshire coach Mike Featherly. "We did a good job of forcing them to take outside shots. We had too many scoring droughts and we certainly have the potential to play better. We have struggled on the road this season so this is a very good win against a quality PR team."

The Whip-Purs' defensive prowess was on display during the first 8 minutes of play.

Hampshire held the Wolves to 1 basket and 2 points and led 13-2 after 1 quarter of play.

PR, which connected on 1-of-10 from 3-point range for 10 percent, converted on 12-for-43 from the field for the game for 28 percent.

When Hampshire needed a basket it called on Rachel Dumoulin, who scored a game-high 23 points and was 9-of-11 from the free throw line.

"I was able to get free in the gaps and my teammates did a great job of getting me the ball in great position to score," said Dumoulin. "I got a lot of easy shots and layups. Our guards handled PR's pressure well and I was able to get some mismatches on the post. We are neck-and-neck in the conference and need to keep pushing with wins."

Along with 23 points, Dumoulin corralled 9 rebounds and dished out 4 assists.

"Every time we needed a basket Rachel came through," said Featherly. "She played her usual consistent game. She did a great job of getting easy shots and getting to the free throw line. Her calling cards as a player are effort and she is a fundamentally solid player."

Karly Statter paced the Wolves with 13 points while Emily Perhats added 11.

Hampshire, which led 25-12 at halftime, watched its lead dwindle to 25-19 as Prairie Ridge scored the first 7 points of the third quarter. Perhats buried a 3-pointer and Statter collected 2 free throws and scored on a putback during the Wolves' 7-0 surge.

Hampshire's first points of the second half came on a conventional 3-pointer from Dumoulin with 2:46 left in the third quarter. Dumoulin's 3 points gave the Whip-Purs a 9-point 28-19 lead.

PR sliced the Whip-Purs' lead to 30-25 on a 12-footer in the lane by Nicole Dorn with 6:38 left in the game but the Wolves couldn't get any closer.