Downers Grove North stifles Naperville North

Protect the basketball. Make shots. Play suffocating defense.

That's the recipe Downers Grove North used to cook up a dominating 55-26 nonconference victory against visiting Naperville North on Wednesday night.

"The first half was for sure the best first half we've played," Trojans coach Stephan Bolt said. "We made some shots. I mean we moved the ball well, we got shots we want and we made shots."

The Trojans (18-7) turned the ball over just four times while jumping out to a 30-13 halftime lead. They made 8 of 20 3-point shots for the game, 19 of 40 overall, and they took Naperville North (12-9) out of its rhythm from the opening jump.

"We were out of sync," Naperville North coach Jason Dycus said. "Credit goes to them. They're a tremendous team. They spread you very well. They have the blend of quick guards - they can shoot the 3, they shot very well tonight ... - and they have great size inside. So they have the makings of a team that could go pretty deep (in the playoffs). I really think they're a great team. They really defend. And we're searching for scoring."

Downers Grove North scored the game's first 8 points and led 15-7 after one period. Then the Trojans kept the Huskies from scoring the first six minutes of the second quarter, building a 28-7 lead.

"Lately we have a tendency to start off flat and pick up in the third and fourth quarters," said Trojans senior post player Jalyn Harris, who recently committed to play at Division II Emporia University. "We just kinda wanted to start off strong and just come out and attack in the first half rather than wait and start playing in the second, third and fourth quarters."

The Trojans also showed balanced scoring. Julia Kramper led the way with 11 points, Harris had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Lauren Sebek also scored 10. Junior point guard Ellie Gross added 9 points, and kid sister Katie Gross, a freshman, made her varsity debut a successful one by connecting on a pair of first-half 3-pointers.

"It was a fun win. The kids did a nice job," Bolt said.

Sophomore Greta Kampschroeder led the Huskies (12-9) with 14 points.