Huber scores 25 in Glenbard East win over Streamwood
Glenbard East hasn't had a lot of success this season, but the Rams do have something any team would want.
Sophomore guard Lauren Huber is a foundation piece the young Rams can build around. The varsity rookie has scored as many as 35 points in a game. On Thursday she poured in a game-high 25 in a 59-37 Upstate Eight Conference girls basketball win over Streamwood in Lombard.
"She's definitely huge," Glenbard East senior Sophie Moore said. "She always gives her best effort every single game.
"It's really helpful knowing that she's on my side. She controls the game."
The host Rams (6-17, 4-8) were in control from the start thanks to the play of Huber and Moore, who had 12 points and 5 assists. The pair came up with big plays whenever the Sabres threatened to make things interesting.
Huber tallied 7 points during an opening 15-2 run and had 13 points by halftime to give the Rams a 23-12 cushion. She and Moore combined to sink five of their team's six 3-pointers.
Huber made 9 of 11 shots, including her final 5 and went 4 for 6 from the free-throw line. But she made an impact at both ends, adding 5 rebounds, 5 steals and 3 assists. She turned 4 of her steals into points at the other end.
"It's exciting to have this caliber of player," Glenbard East coach Nicole Miller said. "It's bright for the future.
"She's really growing and learning how to control a game. She knows when to step it up and defensively she's a great defender."
Huber demonstrated that in the third quarter after the Sabres (4-16, 3-7) had cut the gap to 25-20 following a three-point play from guard Mandy Mien.
The Rams led 32-26 when Moore sank a jumper that triggered an 11-0 run. Moore was on the bench with 4 fouls for most of it, but Katie Mulatz found Huber for a 3-pointer.
Jillian O'Brien then made a 3-pointer and Huber followed with a steal and layup, then sank a free throw on the ensuing possession to extend the lead to 43-26.
Vivian Sumoski halted the run with two free throws for the Sabres, but the Rams answered by scoring the first 6 points of the fourth quarter. Morgan Pederson and Hayden Dudek sandwiched a pair of free throws around an inside basket from Lisa Stanski.
"I think the key was really to swing the ball around, to use all of our players and just to look inside and outside," Huber said. "We just had to keep our mindset positive and just know that this is our home court and we should be controlling the pace of the game.
"The other team had a great night. They kept fighting and stayed in it."
Indeed, the Rams had trouble controlling the slashing drives of Mien, who finished with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. But she scored only 2 points in the fourth quarter.
Glenbard East has only three seniors, so there is hope for the future. But Huber said veterans like Moore have helped her transition to the varsity level.
"It's been a lot of fun to be with the girls," Huber said. "Sophie has kind of been my role model as far as leadership.
"When she leaves next year, I can take what she's taught me throughout the season and keep giving it to the team."