Spaulding's all-around effort sparks Libertyville over Glenbrook South
Morgan Spaulding has a talent impossible to quantify.
She has the gift of the intangible.
"I think my style is to go out and do whatever I have to in order to help the team," she said. "I just go off how they are feeling and what they need from me."
The Libertyville guard put on a devastating all-around game against Glenbrook South. She scored 20 points and made four 3-pointers in sparking the Wildcats' impressive 55-37 nonconference girls basketball victory Monday night in Glenview.
Spaulding also contributed 7 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists. She scored 15 points in the first half, sparking a 24-3 run as the Wildcats (11-2) led by as many as 22 points.
Spaulding scored 9 consecutive points during a second quarter flurry as the lead swelled to 32-10.
"I was just doing what my team needed, and we got into a great run and really played off of that energy," she said.
It was a knockout performance, but not one captured in isolation.
Spaulding is part of a superb 3-way force, working seamlessly with perimeter players Marianna Morrissey and Lauren Huber.
Morrissey and Huber each scored 12 points in the Wildcats' diversified attack.
It is rare to find a high school team with three skilled shot creators and shooters who have the versatility to play off the ball as shooters or creators off the bounce.
"We are all seniors, and we have been playing together since the fifth grade," Spaulding said. "It is a team effort. Everyone knows how to share the ball and we all trust each other."
Morrissey hit two 3s in scoring 8 first-half points.
She is electric with the ball, using her quickness and dynamic first step to get to the basket.
The two were also the centerpiece of a harassing pressure defense that caused 24 Glenbrook South turnovers.
"We play really well together and we have a great connection out there," Morrissey said. "With my game I have spent a lot of time in the weight room, and we work on getting to the basket and getting shots off."
Huber also flashed a tremendous all-purpose game with 8 rebounds, two 3s and 4 steals.
Libertyville connected on 10 3s.
Glenbrook South (3-6) demonstrated plenty of spirit and excitement despite falling behind.
Guard Eden Frick hit four 3-pointers and scored 14 points. She was scoreless until late in the first half.
She engineered two different runs by the Titans, an 8-0 burst to close out the 1st half and an 11-0 second half run to make the final score more manageable.
Point guard Sid Rogers added 7 points and 4 assists.
"My shot started falling, and I got into a good flow," Frick said. "I know a lot of their players from club, and I knew they were very good. I hit a midrange shot and I got into a flow. I knew we were down and I wanted to help. I trust my shot, and I know I'm a good shooter."