Glenbard South defense stifles Palatine

Things are a little different for Glenbard South this winter with four-year varsity standout Maggie Bair now playing at Drake University.

But one thing that hasn't changed is the Raiders defense.

Holding Palatine to just four field goals in the first half Monday, Glenbard South cruised to a 47-26 win in the opening round of the Wheaton North Bill Neibch Holiday Classic.

The defending Class 3A runner-up did not allow double-digit points in any quarter and improved to 8-3 in the process.

"They were definitely a lot bigger then us," said junior guard Lauren Cohen, who led all scorers with 18 points to go along with 3 steals. "So communicating and helping down low really helped us. I think our communication was the key.

"It's great to come out with a win. We want to have that same mentality with our defense (the rest of the tournament). It's always our goal to start well with our defense."

After allowing the first two baskets of the game, the Raiders quickly seized control with a 15-0 run to end the first quarter.

Cohen then scored seven points in the second, including a 30-foot running 3-pointer as time expired, to help Glenbard South extend the margin to 25-9 at half.

Rocky LaPonte tallied 8 points, including the first 5 of the third quarter, and 5 rebounds. Iman Sellars added 7 points.

"Palatine is a good team," Glenbard South coach Morgan Eufrasio said. "They did everything right; they were getting the right shots, they just weren't falling. But I think that is what our defense kind of does, it gets in your head.

"I was impressed with our defense, it started with our guards. And Alex Wilharm, she might not always show up on the stat sheet but she does a lot for us. She worked hard all game and controlled the paint for us."

After trailing by as many as 25 points in the second half, the Pirates (3-7) used a 10-0 spurt to get within 38-23 but could get no closer. Melanie Simon topped Palatine with 10 points and 6 rebounds and Madi Stark had 7 points.

"(The Raiders) are well coached," Palatine coach Mark Johnson said. "They do a great job over there. Our shots just weren't falling. We hit zero 3s. We usually are able to hit a couple. And if we hit a couple, that opens up things inside.

"But this group fights all the way through the game. They are super kids, they just keep battling. I'm always proud of their effort."