Jarrell's play off bench sparks Vernon Hills

Normally a starter for Vernon Hills' girls basketball team, junior guard Daniella Jarrell came off the bench on Monday morning.

It didn't stop her from providing her usual production, as she had 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals in leading the Cougars past Niles West 59-38 in the final game of pool play in the Libertyville winter tournament.

Vernon Hills (7-7, 1-2 tourney) will next play Streamwood for fifth place at 11:30 a.m. Thursday back at Libertyville.

Jarrell didn't start against Niles West (1-12, 0-3) because she showed up late for a film session earlier in the morning.

"One of the (team) rules is, 'If you're late, you don't start,' "said Jarrell, the Cougars' leading scorer this season. "I totally understand. I was like, 'I can come off the bench.' It was a good opportunity to cheer for my team."

Her new role worked out so well that maybe she'll stick with coming off the bench.

"I'm a bit superstitious," Jarrell said. "Maybe I'll have to switch my routine. Personally, I don't look at (coming off the bench) as anything different because I come out in other games. I guess it was a learning opportunity."

Vernon Hills jumped out to a 19-7 lead at the end of the first quarter and led 38-12 by the break.

Niles West went on a 19-5 run to start the third, pulling within 39-31, but Jarrell closed the quarter with a 3-pointer.

Alexa Cieslinski and Olivia Sweeney had 8 points each for Vernon Hills.

The Wolves were led by Angelica Cirineo with 13 points.