St. Edward's defense frustrates Elgin

Sometimes the best offense is a good defense, and St. Edward's girls basketball team had plenty of that Monday night.

The Green Wave forced 41 turnovers, got key rebounds, contested shots, and generally made life miserable for Elgin's shooters in a 63-33 win. Brooke Biggins led the way offensively with 22 points as St. Edward won its second straight in the Elgin City Classic at Chesbrough Field House.

The Green Wave led 17-15 early in the second quarter, then tore off a 21-3 run extending into the middle of the third quarter.

"Our team's energy was really just off the charts," said Biggins. "Coach (Michelle Dawson) really helped us up during halftime and we came back with a whole new intensity. We worked really hard on teamwork and getting everyone involved. I think that really helped us play our game."

Samantha Ottinger added 14 points and 9 rebound for the Wave. Mia Castro chipped in 9 points and Madison Schueler scored 7, while Madeline Ellsworth grabbed 10 rebounds.

But the defense was the key, seldom giving the Maroons a clean look.

"I wouldn't want to have the ball in my hands against our defense at times," Dawson said. "I'm just proud of the girls and the effort they have on the floor. They just keep it coming and just keep the pressure on and pressure on.

"The first half, we were a little bit messy when we got the ball back in our hands. That's what we talked about at halftime, was just keeping our composure and when we work so hard on defense to get the ball back, make sure we're taking care of it."

The Wave can wrap up the tournament matching the Elgin girls programs by defeating Harvest Christian on Wednesday.

Giana Kilbert produced another double-double for Elgin with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Takara Campbell added 8 points and 9 boards, while Sabrina Moskow chipped in with 7 points for Elgin (2-15).

"Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers," said Elgin coach Dr. Nick Bumbales. "They got some key turnovers for themselves when they needed them. Whenever we had a run we had something to match it."

Kilbert tried to help the Maroons back in the game in a sequence early in the fourth quarter. After a layup, she made a steal and drove in for another score. She added a third layup and 2 free throws in the sequence, getting Elgin within 48-32.

But that was as close as the Maroons could get, with the Wave outscoring the host team 15-1 the rest of the way.