Jacobs gets by Streamwood for first win
After losses to powerhouses Homewood-Flossmoor and Rockford Boylan to begin the season, Jacobs' girls basketball team was looking for a win any way it could get one.
The Golden Eagles got the job done.
Jacobs claimed its first win of the season eking out a 37-35 victory over Streamwood in action at the Dundee-Crown Thanksgiving Tournament Saturday in Carpentersville.
"We had two tough losses to start the season so this was a very good win for us," said Jacobs coach Joe Benoit. "We played with confidence and made plays down the stretch. I really liked our balanced scoring and that we had contributions from so many people. This group is a pleasure to work with. It was good to see their hard work pay off with a win."
With the score tied at 35, Kerri Healy and Courtney Pahl each made 1-of-2 free throws to give the Eagles a narrow 2-point lead.
After Healy's free throw, Streamwood coach George Rosner called a timeout with 17 seconds left to set up a last-second effort. Mandy Mien's long 3-pointer fell short and the Sabres dropped their third straight to start the season.
"We had the play we wanted set up but we had some mix ups and it didn't work out the way we wanted," said Rosner. "We had some opportunities to score but just couldn't get the job done. We have three tough losses to begin the season and could easily be 3-0. We just need to keep playing hard and stay positive."
On a 3-pointer by Andrea Bracey, Streamwood held a 16-13 lead with 3:18 left in the first half. Those would be the last points the Sabres would score in the half.
Jacobs went on a 3-point barrage to end the half making 4-of-4 from beyond the arc during a 12-0 run. Pahl connected on a pair of 3s and Liz Schwartz and Courtney Durben each collected trifectas as the Golden Eagles opened up a 25-16 lead at halftime.
The Sabres dominated the third quarter outscoring Jacobs 12-3 to tie the game 28-28 heading into the fourth quarter. Mien and Rebecca Roncone each scored 5 points in the third quarter.
"We made some adjustments at halftime and played a very good third quarter," said Rosner. "Our defense was much better. We guarded the 3-pointer much better."
Jacobs, which made 6-of-15 from 3-point range for 40 percent, was led by Schwartz with 11 points. Pahl and Healy netted 9 apiece and Durben added 8.
"We really needed this win for our confidence," said Healy, the lone senior on the team and a 4-year starter. "I try to be a leader on the team and the younger players work so hard. We have a good group and good team chemistry."
Bracey paced the Sabres with 16 points and 11 rebounds while Mien tallied 11 points with 4 assists.