Nonconference setbacks for Wheeling, Hoffman Estates
Playing without standout Kayla Caudle, sidelined by an ankle injury, Vernon Hills' girls basketball team came from behind to leg out a 60-57 victory over visiting Wheeling on Monday.
The Wildcats raced out to a 9-1 lead and were still out in front 32-20 at the half.
Long-range shooting prowess helped turned the tide in Vernon Hills' favor in the second half. Nicole Pieper and Julia Neary combined to hit seven 3s in the third quarter as the Cougars took a 44-42 lead.
It was close through the fourth quarter, with Vernon Hills making its free throws to keep Wheeling at bay.
Pieper finished with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals, and Neary totaled 13 points. Mackenzie Mahler contributed 10 points and 4 rebounds, and Piper Bedell had 10 points and 6 boards.
"The first half was not our best basketball but we found our stride in the third quarter," said Vernon Hills coach Paul Brettner. "The girls overcame some basketball adversity and a number of kids stepped up."
The Cougars improved to 14-7 overall.
Sophomore Morgan Collar paced the effort for Wheeling (12-9) with 16 points, and senior Nansy Velev and junior Nora Igiehon finished with 12 apiece.
The Wildcats struggled at the foul line, finishing 5-for-13.
Jacobs 36, Hoffman Estates 29: The host Golden Eagles held the Hawks to 9 first-half points in earning a nonconference win.
Senior Tayler Williams finished with a game-high 16 points for Hoffman Estates (9-14). She made four 3s. Junior Raven Wilson contributed 9 points.
Kyra Cabusco (15 points) and Elizabeth Schwartz (14) led the scoring effort for Jacobs.