Downers Grove North prevails against Argo
The Gross sisters found a way to win an unattractive victory for Downers Grove North on Monday.
Senior Ellie Gross overcame foul trouble to sink the go-ahead 3-pointer and sophomore Kate Gross tacked on two free throws and had the game-clinching steal as the Trojans rallied to beat Argo 35-32 at Coach Kipp's Hoopsfest at Timothy Christian.
"It was a bit of a struggle," Downers North coach Stephan Bolt said. "Offensively, we did not capitalize on a lot of really good opportunities.
"But especially down the stretch, they found a way to get a couple stops when we needed them."
Ellie Gross went to the bench after picking up her third foul and Argo (18-7) took advantage, going on a 13-0 run to end the third quarter with a 22-16 lead.
Ellie Gross checked back in to start the fourth quarter and Kate Gross scored on a drive to ignite Downers North's comeback.
"We just stayed calm and tried to rely on defense because we know that if we get stops, we can get good shots on offense," Kate Gross said. "We were falling back on that."
The Trojans (19-5) shot only 33 percent but made 7 of 11 shots in the fourth quarter, when all five starters scored. They trailed 31-29 when Ellie Gross missed a 3-pointer from the right wing, but senior forward Alexis Parker got the rebound and passed to Ella Sebek, who went right back to Ellie Gross, who drained the 3-pointer with 1:52 remaining.
After Kate Gross and Argo's Gabby Beggs each split a pair of free throws, the Argonauts forced a turnover with 18 seconds left.
Breana Dugans drove down the lane but missed the potential game-winner, and Kate Gross came down with the rebound with eight seconds left and split the ensuing 1-and-1 situation for a 34-32 lead.
"I think everybody just did a great job of keeping their man in front of them and then we were all in position so that allowed that to happen," Kate Gross said of her rebound. "Everybody had great defense at the end."
Parker, who had 9 points and 8 rebounds, then stole the ball at midcourt and made 1 of 2 free throws with 1.7 seconds left. Kate Gross then stole the ball at midcourt as time expired.
Sophomore center Eleanor Harris led Downers North with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while the Gross sisters each scored 5 points. Kate Gross added 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
"(Kate Gross) got in the paint pretty well," Parker said. "She was able to drive her girl on the wing really well and that gave us a boost, knowing that we could drive in the lane. She also had some good kickouts to Eleanor on the top of the floor, so that was nice.
"Also, defensively she held her own with her girl because they were looking for her to get the ball every time and she did a great job of getting through screens and getting through pressure to get there."