O'Connor helps Mundelein top VH in opener

Junior guard Kelsey O'Connor scored a game-high 22 points in her varsity debut, as Mundelein's girls basketball team opened its season on its home court with a 56-43 win over Vernon Hills in opening-round action of the Lady Mustangs Turkey Shootout on Monday night.

Vernon Hills used a 17-3 run to take a 23-18 lead into halftime, but Mundelein outscored the Cougars 19-0 in the third quarter.

O'Connor hit 3 of her four 3-pointers in the first half. She scored 7 points, including a 3, during the pivotal third quarter.

"She played for our sophomore team last year, and we probably could have moved her up (to varsity) last year," Mustangs coach Brian Evans said. "But our numbers were low at all levels. If we would have taken her off the sophomore team last year that would have decimated them."

J.J. Sawchuk and Samantha Panitch added 11 and 10 points, respectively, for Mundelein, which doesn't play in the tournament again until Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. against Prairie Ridge.

Vernon Hills received 9 points apiece from Amy Burton and Jamie Rucks. The Cougars also are idle today, before resuming the tourney Wednesday with a 4:30 p.m. start against Glenbrook North.

Rolling Meadows 43, Lakes 34: Senior point guard Liezl Aluquin scored 17 points to lead the Mustangs in the middle game at Mundelein, spoiling the coaching debut of Lakes coach Elizabeth Hinkle.

Keshia Cunningham scored 11 points to lead the Eagles, while Mandy Schellinger added 10.

Today, Rolling Meadows plays Carmel at 7:30 p.m. Lakes faces Grayslake North at 4:30 p.m.

Carmel 33, Grayslake North 20: In the opening game at Mundelein, Lauren Lehocky had 10 points for the Corsairs, who led 8-2 after one quarter and 20-5 at halftime. Tiffany Hendrickson added 8 points for Carmel.

Grayslake North's leading scorers with Lauren Erikson and Elizabeth Phillips with 4 points each.