Buffalo Grove holds off Grayslake Central
Playing its final game against Grayslake Central in its own Bison Classic, Buffalo Grove's girls basketball team showed its composure when it counted.
Megan Fontanetta's second 3-pointer in the fourth quarter tied the game at 49-49 with under four minutes left.
Even though the Rams pulled back in front 53-49, the Bison closed with a 10-4 run to earn a 59-57 win over the Rams and Illinois State recruit Kate Bullman, who netted a game-high 31 points.
A layup by Grace Vellers and steal and basket by Macy Floro tied the game again at 53-53. The Rams went ahead 55-53 with 1:01 left before Floro's free throw got BG within 55-54. Bullman's 3-pointer pushed the Rams lead to 57-54 with 39 seconds left. However, Floro answered with a 3-pointer to tie the game at 57-57 with 26 seconds left. Floro then came back with a big steal near half court and was fouled. The senior guard, who scored a team-high 16 points, made both free throws for the 59-57 lead with 9.4 seconds left. The Rams missed on a 3-poitner and a put back attempt in the final seconds.
All-tourney selection Kendra Lee added 13 points for BG (3-3, 3-2) followed by Fontanetta (8) and Grace Vellers (6).
"We talked about increasing out execution and today we did," said Bison coach Steve Kolodziej. "We did a really good job down the stretch going over some things the kids have not been asked to do and making some adjustments defensively. We're really happy with our attitude and effort and well just keep getting better and grinding."
Maine South 50, Mother McAuley 41: All-tourney selection Niamh Gardiner, a junior, scored 18 points and her twin sister Nicole added 14 for the Hawks, who finished 3-2 at the Bison Classic and stand at 4-2 overall.
Sophomore Caroline Barker added 6 points as the Hawks handed Mother McAuley (4-2, 3-2) its second loss in as many days.
Hawks coach Jeff Hamann watched his team rally from a 15-point deficit in the first half.
Barrington 51, Crystal Lake Central 30: All-tourney selection Taylor Thompson scored 20 points for the second straight day as Barrington improved to 2-4 overall and finished 2-3 in the Bison Classic.
Freshman Sophie Swanson added 7 points while Gracie Stagnito, Shanna Turczynski and Marissa Faulkner each chipped in 6.
Wheeling 62, Proviso West 56: Led by senior guards Chloe Drozdz (24 points) and Sophia Stanke (20 points), Wheeling wrapped up play in the Tom Kendall Pilgrim Classic by getting its first win.
Drozdz made 12-of-14 free throws with a pair of 3-pointers while Stanke connected for four 3-pointers. Senior Naomi Metellus added 8 points and sophomore Nikki Niznik added 6 for the Wildcats (1-4).
Hampshire 50, Hoffman Estates 25: Hoffman Estates (1-5, 1-4) wrapped up play in its own Tom Kendall Pilgrim Classic led by sophomore guard Ashley Oliver's 9 points.