Naperville Central downs Bartlett

The Naperville Central girls basketball team has come a long way in such a short time this season.

Just how far was apparent on Tuesday afternoon at the Dundee-Crown Charger Classic Christmas Tournament when the Redhawks defeated Bartlett 52-44 - the same Bartlett team that Central lost to by 13 points in the third game of the season.

With the win Central (12-5) advances to the consolation championship game against Burlington Central at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Bartlett (8-6) will face Prospect at 12:30 p.m. in the 11th place game.

"I am so pleased with the way we played," Central coach Andy Nussbaum said. "We feel like we are a better team. So we wanted to use this game as a benchmark of how much we have improved. I think this game we were better able to handle their pressure and we are playing much better defense."

Mia Lakstigala had 21 points to lead the Redhawks and Hannah Swarm added 16. Central did much of its damage attacking the basket. It resulted in the Redhawks being fouled 29 times. Central had a 16-6 scoring advantage at the free throw line.

"Lakstigala and Swarm were really tough to stop," Bartlett coach Dave Mello said. "We did our best to slide over and help on defense, but they were still making some tough shots. I think that was the big difference tonight."

The Redhawks broke open a 10-10 tie with an 11-3 run to start the second quarter to go up 21-13. Swarm and Lakstigala each had a 3-pointer during the run. Central led the rest of the way. Bartlett was within 32-30 midway through the third quarter before the Redhawks pulled away for good with an 11-4 run to close out the quarter. The Hawks could get no closer than 5 points in the fourth quarter.

The Redhawks' defense held Bartlett to just 16 of 52 (30.8 percent) from the field. Katie McBain did a nice job of shutting down Bartlett's top scoring threat in Kaitlin Brohan, who was held to 9 points on 3 of 15 shooting.

"She's a really good player," McBain said. "I just did my best to put pressure on her and when she got past me my teammates did a great job of helping."

Kelly Hare led Bartlett in scoring with 13 points.