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Concerted effort makes the difference for Mundelein

A lack of hustle? A lack of energy? That doesn't sound like Mundelein girls basketball.

Yet that had been the complaint during a two-game losing streak that hit the Mustangs.

Evidently, someone lit a fire under the Mustangs before Friday night's North Suburban Lake Division game against visiting Zion-Benton. Mundelein senior guard Marie DeVito hit four 3-pointers. She and teammate Amy Richards combined for 30 points. Mundelein (5-3, 1-2) registered its first division win, as the Mustangs led start to finish in capturing a 53-44 decision.

"Our offense was much better tonight," DeVito said. "We also had much more intensity. Our warm-ups were really good."

After the first seven shots of the game were off target, Natalie Busscher (10 points) landed a 3-pointer, and the Mustangs were off and running. On Maggie Mahar's lone bucket of the game, it was 7-0. And then the Zee-Bees (2-6, 1-2) charged back behind the stylish play of junior Marquitta Easley (13 points).

Mundelein answered back behind DeVito's first 3-pointer and two straight baskets by Richards (17 points).

"My teammates were getting the ball to me," Richards said. "We had much more intensity tonight."

Both Richards and DeVito hit 3-pointers in the second quarter. And that helped match Zion's Breanna Tanner, who hit two of her three 3-pointers in the second quarter.

Mundelein coach Brian Evans was glad to see his team turn it up a notch. And he also noted DeVito's 3-pointers were helpful in this win.

"She's supposed to do that," Evans said. "That should be the norm."

It didn't hurt the Mustangs' cause that Richards scored in every quarter.

"It's great when she plays like that," Evans said. "She's usually too unselfish."

Zion threatened to get back into the game in opening minutes of the third quarter. But DeVito sliced into the Zee-Bees' momentum with another 3. Mundelein showed off some fancy passing when sophomore Kendall Wald fed Maddie Zazas for an easy layup. Mundelein took a 41-33 lead to the final quarter.

The fourth quarter had a familiar ring to it. DeVito hit her fourth 3-pointer. Richards added two more baskets.

"These games are never easy," Evans said. "Zion was very athletic, so this was a good way to get our first conference win."

Richards, too, was glad to see the two-game losing streak go by the wayside.

"This is a turning point," she said. "We have to learn from those losses (Warren and Lake Forest) and come out with more energy."

DeVito finished with 13 points. Tanner added 11 points for Zion.

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