Buffalo Grove surges past Wheeling
Down 22-15 at half, Buffalo Grove's girls basketball team rallied for a 49-42 triumph on Senior night at Wheeling on Tuesday night.
"We talked about energy at halftime and everyone embraced their individuals roles," said Bison coach Steve Kolodziej. "In order for us be successful, we need to bring energy and all 12 girls stepped up. Our bench players got into the game and sparked our defense."
The Bison converted 22 of 29 free throws.
"We made free throws and we forced turnovers," said Kolodziej, whose team trailed 29-18 midway through the third period which it finished on a 14-3 run.
Seniors Georgette Topalis and Megan Gamber (10-of-12 free throws and two 3-pointers) each finished with 16 points after combining for 6 in the first half.
Alyssa Floro chipped in 6 points for BG while Jackie Bickhaus had 5.
"I couldn't be more proud of the effort," said Kolodziej whose team improved to 12-12 and 3-4 in the East. "Hopefully, we can keep making strides and turn some heads in the playoffs. We will give it everything we've got."
The Wildcats got 10 points from Nansy Velev while Nosa Igiehon and Melissa Claver each had 9. Claver, Ayana Blair, Shannon Kennedy and Kourtney Schuetz celebrated Senior Night for the Wildcats (10-13, 2-5).
Hersey 72, Prospect 39: Hersey (20-3, 7-0) retained its 1-game lead over Rolling Meadows (17-6, 6-1) in the MSL East and Huskies coach Mary Fendley closed to within 2 wins of 400 for her 19-year career.
Claire Gritt (26 points), Gina Miklasz (13 points, 7 assist, 5 steals), Kelly Weyhrich (13 points, 5 assists, 3 steals) and Erin McGrath (7 rebounds, 4 blocks) led the visiting Huskies.
Prospect (9-11, 3-4) was led by Mandy Withey (11 points, 11 rebounds), Emily Frasco (8 points, 3 rebounds) and Eileen Donohue (6 points, 2 rebounds) .
Rolling Meadows 58, Elk Grove 41: Host Rolling Meadows (17-6, 6-1) was led by seniors Kyra Spiwak (22 points) and Morgan Campagna (16) in an MSL East win on Senior night.
"I thought we played a solid first half," said Meadows coach Ryan Kirkorsky, whose team led 38-15 at intermission. "Kyra Spiwak and Morgan Campagna led the way, and Kelsey Nallon and Clare Preissing contributed on both ends of the floor. It was a special night, celebrating our five seniors (including Katherine Nolan) on Senior Night."
Zoe Blomquist (12 points) and Megan Murray (9) led Elk Grove (3-19, 0-7).
Schaumburg 58, Conant 38: Mallory Gerber (16 points, 5 rebounds), Laura O'Connell (15 points, 9 rebounds), Kayla Patterson (13 points, 4 rebounds) and Regina D'Orazio (12 points, 5 rebounds) led Schaumburg (13-9, 5-2) in the MSL West contest.
Conant (7-14, 3-4) was paced by Taylor Cyr (14 points), Amanda Klingsporn (6), Jorie Wachal (5) and Cate Fitzgerald (5).
Barrington 44, Hoffman Estates 33: Senior Maggie O'Donnell (12 points), senior Alex Van Ryne (11) and sophomore Tori Meyer (9) were the top scorers for the host Fillies (4-16, 2-5), who celebrated Senior Night with an MSL West victory.
Senior Cecilia Stack chipped in 6 points with her 10 rebounds while Van Ryne had 8 rebounds and senior Claire Collier 6.
"The goal tonight was to win for the seniors so I was happy to see that happen," said Barrington coach Babbi Barreiro. "They are a great group who have been dedicated and have put in a lot of time and effort over these last four years. They are a great group to coach and I will really miss them."
Barreiro said O'Donnell and Van Ryne helped spark the offense.
"Maggie and Alex both had nice games offensively," she said. "Maggie knocked down some big shots while Alex finished well inside. I was also very happy with Rachel Mori and the job she did off the bench."
Senior Monraia Wilson scored a game-high 18 points and Tayler Williams had 9 for Hoffman (3-19, 1-6).