Franks helps South Elgin make it 5 straight
Every good basketball team seems to have that one unsung player that goes somewhat unnoticed flying under the radar while doing all the small things that add up to make a big difference. That player is not a prolific scorer that always fills up the scorebook, but instead fills up the hustle chart where things like steals, or diving after loose balls, or taking a charge, or setting a good screen are tracked.
That player for South Elgin is Grace Franks.
On Friday night the senior did a little more scoring than usual with a team-high 12 points while still doing all those other little things that made a big difference in the Storm's 50-30 win over Glenbard East in Upstate Eight Valley Division action. Franks also had a team-high 8 steals to spearhead the Storm's defense.
"I have had a chance to coach Grace since her freshman year," South Elgin coach Dan Mandernack said. "She's just that type of player you love to have on your team because she is always working hard. She keeps getting better and better. She worked hard playing behind our all-conference player Bridget Williams last year. Now this year she is getting her chance to shine and I couldn't be happier for her."
Franks played a big role in the offense early on scoring a pair of baskets in the opening minutes as the Storm jumped out to an 8-0 lead. She added a putback basket later in the first quarter.
"I see my role as doing the little things to help the team in any way I can," Franks said. "I'm usually more of a defensive player and on offense I'm setting up my teammates to score, but when I get my opportunities like tonight I take them."
South Elgin outscored the Rams 14-4 in the second quarter to extend their lead to 29-14 at halftime.
"Their style is to slow it down and we knew they would be coming in with a lot of confidence after beating West Aurora earlier in the week," Mandernack said. "So there was a sense of urgency to get off to a good start and get the lead. They are a difficult team to come from behind on."
The Storm's defense forced 22 turnovers and held Glenbard East to just 11 of 33 (33 percent) shooting from the field.
"We know we can put up a lot of points," Mandernack said. "But I have been really encouraged with the way our defense has stepped up. Grace plays a big part in that. She is quick and smart. She made a lot of plays for us on defense today.'
The Storm (15-7, 7-1) have now won 5 in a row and took over sole possession of first place in the Valley with the win, which coupled with West Aurora's 52-51 upset loss to East Aurora, gave the Storm a 1-game lead. South Elgin hosts West Aurora next Friday night.
"We are really motivated every game we come out," Franks said. "Our school has never won a conference title in girls basketball. It would be awesome as a senior to be the first. That's our focus."
Emmy McIntosh added 10 points for South Elgin. Briana Raysby had 14 points to lead Glenbard East.