Grayslake Central rolls past Lakes

Amanda Kocialkowski certainly likes when her Grayslake Central team can share the basketball.

So much so that she was able to contribute offensively for a career-high game of 20 points and 7 rebounds.

Grayslake Central took advantage of its stifling defense and pressure that was plenty enough for the Rams as they outdistanced host Lakes 70-24 in a Northern Lake County Conference game in Lake Villa on Friday night.

MK Drevline dropped in 13 points with three 3-pointers and Illinois State recruit Kate Bullman also had 13 points with 8 rebounds, 4 blocked shots and 4 steals for the Rams.

"I think it was teamwork and passing the ball around," Kocialkowski said. "Once we were moving the ball, I was able to get to my spot. I do think this team is bonding really well, getting together and having good chemistry."

Grayslake Central earned its second straight victory opening the NLCC schedule and now has a 6-2 overall record while Lakes dropped to 1-5 and 0-2.

"I thought we came out with solid defense and the intensity we were looking for," Grayslake Central coach Steve Ikenn said. "We had some spells that we got some turnovers. We haven't been able to convert on the other end and tonight we were able to. I thought we had some nice balanced scoring."

Lakes had an early lead in the opening minute when Kailey Gara hit a 3-pointer that made the score 3-1. But things changed in a hurry with the Rams' defense and turnovers. Grayslake Central scored 26 unanswered points as Madeline Mussay (7 points) made 2 free throws for a 27-3 lead with 6:40 left in the second quarter.

The Eagles' Rosemary Tekampe hit a short jump shot as she had 7 points in the second and a team-high 13 points.

The Rams held a sizable lead of 43-10 margin by halftime.

"I thought we came in with a really good practice (on Thursday)," Lakes coach Brian Phelan said. "We talked about the press and talked about the last three to four years that we've struggled against Grayslake Central. Beginning the game, I thought we broke the press really well. Then we didn't get out of control going to the basket and we tried to run some good offense.

"So I think that's the big take-away. We handled pressure and that's something we couldn't handle in the first three games. That's the huge win. We're just trying to find scoring and that's the next thing to do, but still happy with the positive mindset."