Wauconda uses fast start to dump Glenbrook North

Wauconda girls basketball coach Jaime Dennis could always use more depth on the bench. So it's imperative to jump on teams early, which the host Bulldogs did in its 51-42 nonconference victory over Glenbrook North on Saturday afternoon.

Wauconda, which lost to Grayslake Central Friday night, improved to 6-2 overall using a fast start in the first quarter.

"We needed to jump out fast and early," said sophomore forward Kiley Szmajda, who got the inside game going with 13 points, including 11 in the first half.

"We did a great job in the first half, especially on defense. And (point-guard) Jessie Pakaski did a great job of getting me the ball."

Szmajda ended with a double-double, adding 11 rebounds.

Senior and Florida Atlantic University commit Allie Tylka did her usual damage as well for the Bulldogs, scoring 8 of her team-high 14 points in the first quarter.

"We played good 'D' in the first half and were hitting our shots," added Dennis. "And our assists were down a little today but we play our best basketball when we share the ball."

Wauconda, which averages 18 assists per game, ended up with 12 Saturday, 10 being dished out by Pakaski to go along with her 10 points.

Tylka was the third Bulldog with a double-double, finishing with 11 rebounds as Wauconda dominated the glass, 40-24.

The Bulldogs led 18-5 after the first quarter and held their ground in the second, taking a 34-18 lead into the locker room.

Wauconda then hit 6-of-9 field goals in the third quarter and carried a 49-29 lead into the final frame.

The Bulldogs' biggest lead in the third was 46-22 after a basket by sophomore guard Maddie Carver, who also hit a 3-pointer in the period.

With the game well in hand and starters being pulled sporadically in the fourth, Glenbrook North made things interesting by outscoring the Bulldogs 13-2.

"We need to improve our team defense and be more consistent when we have a lead," added Dennis.

After a layup by Szmajda, Glenbrook North (3-7) ended the game on an 11-0 run to cut the deficit to single digits. Junior guard Jamie Joseph chipped in 11 of her 13 points in the second half, while senior guard Amanda Stephenson added 11.

"After losing (Friday) night, we needed a win to get back on track," said Szmajda.