Rolling Meadows makes most of confidence
After taking control of first place in the Mid-Suburban East last week, Rolling Meadows' girls basketball team took control of its first game of the Libertyville tournament late in the first quarter.
With junior Alexis Davis and sophomore Bridget Rolla each netting career-highs and scoring all 8 points of an 8-0 run to close out the first period with a 16-7 lead, the Mustangs held off a couple of strong runs by Niles West before putting away a 65-51 triumph.
The win came just five days after Meadows took over sole possession of first place in the East with a 53-44 win at Prospect.
"That game helped us a lot and gave us a lot of confidence going into this game," said Davis, who tossed home 22 points with four 3-pointers. " I think we just have to continue playing that confidence the rest of the tournament."
Rolla (17 points) swept around her defender and hit a driving layup that put Meadows ahead 26-16 late in the second quarter.
Niles West (5-8) got to within 26-21 on a 3-pointer by Lidia Fakhoury (9 points) before the Mustangs answered with 2 free throws from Lily Griefenstein (12 points) and a steal and layup off an inbounds pass from Rolla that extended the lead to 30-21.
'I've seen Niles West play a couple of times and I knew that they'd make a few runs," said Mustangs coach Ryan Kirkorsky, whose team improved to 10-4. "I thought our kids responded well. Niles West has some really skilled players and we knew they would come ready to play."
Kirkorsky had his team ready to play, too. And the Mustangs showed it again in the second half.
A 3-pointer by senior guard Melissa Spiwak (9 points, 2 assists) to start the third quarter gave the Mustangs a 33-22 lead.
Coach Kyle Braheny's pesky Wolves wouldn't go away again.
A 3-pointer by Lauren Howell got them back to within 35-31 with 5:45 left in the third period.
They pulled to within 37-33 on Nicole Zelazko's short jumper with 4:43 left in the third period.
But that's as close the Central Suburban South entry would get.
Meadows proceeded on a 16-6 run, getting 3-pointers from Mallory Brand (5 points) and Davis during the streak.
"I think we spaced the floor and really moved the ball well," said Davis, whose previous career best was 18 points against Lake Zurich in the second game of the season. "Our communication on defense really helped. That was big for us."
Griefenstein and Rolla led the defense with 4 steals apiece.
Rebounding ws also big for the Mustangs who were led on the boards by Caili Hosler (6), Griefenstein (5), Susannah Holifield (5) and Rolla (4).
"I thought Mallory Brand and Caili Hosler each gave us great minutes off the bench," Kirkorsky said. "Mallory knocked down a great 3-pointer and Caili was all over the boards, like usual, for us."
In addition to her big scoring game, Davis also had 3 rebounds and a couple of steals.
"Alexi played outstanding on both ends of the court." Kirkorsky added. "It's always tough that first day after Christmas and I thought our kids came ready to play and responded to a good team."