Streamwood outlasts Larkin

As often happens, a big rally started with defense. Streamwood overcame a 10-point second-half deficit to down Larkin, 44-37, in Upstate Eight Conference River Division girls basketball action in Elgin on Tuesday.

The Sabres' more aggressive defense keyed a 23-7 run that began late in the third quarter as Streamwood spoiled the Royals' senior night.

"We went all man (to-man defense)," said Streamwood coach George Rosner. "We tried to put more pressure on them and turn it up defensively a little more. We made it too easy for them in the first half."

Rebecca Roncone scored 16 points, Madeline Exline added 11 points and 9 rebounds, and Andrea Bracy had 10 points for Streamwood (5-17, 3-6).

Vanessa Soto, one of 7 Larkin seniors to see action, scored 11 points. Eight other Royals scored, but none had more than Sarah El Rahmany's 7. Megan Chwee scored 6 points off the bench for the Royals (8-16, 2-7).

Each team played without one of its stars, Marlee Kyles for Larkin and Jenejha Williams for Streamwood. In addition, Roncone, a regular starter who has been sick, came off the bench for Streamwood (5-17, 3-6).

It took the Sabres awhile to adjust. They had just 3 points after 1 quarter and 14 at halftime.

Larkin then scored the first 5 points of the second half, going up 24-14 on a free throw by Tyra Lindsey.

But Bracy scored on the next possession, starting the Streamwood run. Exline buried a 3-pointer and the Sabres were off to the races. Another bucket by Bracy punctuated the run, leaving the Sabres ahead 37-31. They then iced the game at the free-throw line, making 7 of 10 from the charity stripe down the stretch.

Streamwood outscored the host Royals 21-9 in the fourth quarter, led by 9 points from Roncone. Monica Brown made 4 of 4 fourth-quarter free throws, finishing with 6 points for the Sabres.