Downers Grove North refuses to yield in Silver race

Behind its customary strong defense, Downers Grove North notched a special girls basketball win on Tuesday night.

It also set up an even bigger game later in the week.

Forcing 17 turnovers while limiting host York to a single made 3-pointer, the Trojans reached the 20-win plateau with a 33-27 victory in Elmhurst.

More importantly, the win kept Downers North (20-7, 10-1) atop the West Suburban Silver standings and set up a possible winner-take-all matchup with Glenbard West on Saturday. The Hilltoppers, who are 9-1 in the league, also play Oak Park on Friday.

"It's exciting that we've won so many games," said senior Jalyn Harris, who led all scorers with 10 points to go along with 7 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. "Plus we have had some tough losses too. It has helped us see where we are heading into the playoffs. And to get a chance to play for the conference title on Saturday is really fun. We all really want to win conference."

Against the Dukes the visitors had stretches where they struggled to score, including the fourth quarter, when they were held to only 2 points for the first 6:30. But the Trojans' defense, led by the 4 steals of Ellie Gross, kept them afloat.

Gross also made four free throws in the final 40 seconds and finished with 7 points and 5 rebounds.

"Defensively, we try to hold them down," Gross said. "When we go up against these high-powered offenses, if we can lock them down defensively then we have a chance in any game. We knew that York had improved from the first time that we played them, but we have too."

York did have a chance to tie the game late after whittling the lead down to two at 29-27 but missed a jumper. The Dukes (16-10, 6-5), who have played without senior guards Madison Stark and Kiah Rufus all season, have lost their five conference games by a combined 24 points.

In a bit of good news, Stark has been cleared for game action and could play Saturday. Rufus is cleared to practice.

"Downers Grove North is a very good defensive team," said York coach Brandon Collings, whose team was led by the 8 points of Sara Krissinger. "You can't slow things down like they do without being able to shut things down on the other end. But we had a couple of good looks there, a couple of opportunities to tie it up."

Downers North led 8-7 after the first eight minutes and upped that margin to 18-12 by halftime. That 6-point margin held going into the fourth, thanks to a pair of third-quarter baskets by Harris and a three-point play from Quinn Stephens.

"I love our kids and their ability to buy in, to always bringing it on that side (defensive) of the floor," Downers Grove North coach Stephan Bolt said. "It was a great defensive effort. And I thought the kids did a great job of preparing for tonight. I'm really proud of our kids.

"Saturday should be a fun environment, a fun atmosphere. I think you have two tough teams going at it, and it will be fun to see."