Montella's poise pays off for Fremd

Sophomore Ruthie Montella showed her poise and composure down the stretch and it helped Fremd's girls basketball seal a win in its own Chicagoland Invitational Showcase on Saturday.

Montella went 6-for-6 at the free throw line in the final 34 seconds to secure a 47-42 win over Glenbard West (6-2), whose only other loss was to Rolling Meadows (8-1) in its season opener.

"That was amazing," said Vikings senior Angie Zara, who had a huge 3-pointer that gave Fremd (9-0) a 39-32 lead with 3:50 left in the game. "The whole team trusted Ruthie and she pulled through. She really secured the game for us."

Fremd's MVP in the game, Emily Klaczek, scored 13 points with three 3-pointers while Montella finished with 10, eight in the final quarter.

Olivia Hill tossed home a pair of 3-pointers while freshman Brianna Wooldridge had 6 points. Ella Burns also had a big 3-pointer in the third quarter for the Vikings.

Hoffman Estates 55, Streamwood 39: Raven Wilson scored a season-high 21 points and Ana Sturgis added 11 with three 3-pointers as the Hawks (2-6) won the nonconference game. Alysa Dupart (two 3-pointers) and Kate Mongold each chipped in 6 points for the winners.

Glenbrook South 53, Conant 31: Senior Stephanie Mazurek led the Cougars (3-5) with 8 points in the nonconference game in Glenview, followed by sophomore Julia Flaishaker (7). Teammates Hannah Shulman and Chikere Oduocha each chipped in 5 points.

Willowbrook 51, Leyden 40: Despite a fourth quarter comeback, Leyden (3-2, 0-2) fell in the West Suburban Gold match to the visiting Warriors. Jamyah Tate (15 points) and Evelyn Abundes (11 points) led the Eagles.

Vernon Hills 48, Barrington 39: Juniors Taylor Thompson (14 points) and Anna Mae King (11 points) led the visiting Fillies (1-7) in the nonconference game. King and classmate Shanna Turczynski each had 3-pointers for the Fillies.