Quick starts for Geneva, Batavia
Think the boys teams in the area are good? Two girls teams, rivals Geneva and Batavia, from the Western Sun Conference, also kicked off the 2007 campaign on a good note.
The Vikings, winners of their own Thanksgiving tournament for the third year in a row, are 4-0.
"I'm so proud," coach Gina Nolan said after the tournament was completed. "It's such a team (effort)."
To almost no one's surprise, Taylor Whitley was named the tournament's MVP for the third year in a row. The Tri-Cities all-area team captain from last season has pretty much picked up where she left off. But this year, another aspect of her game is more apparent -- her desire to get assists in addition to points.
"That's a tribute to the player she is and how she is looking to spread the ball out as much as possible," Nolan said. "That proves that if other teams focus on her, we have other weapons to attack people with. She's all about the team."
In addition to Whitley making the all-tournament team, senior Nicole Gregory did as well. She tallied a career-high 18 points in the third game of the tournament.
Returning players like Gregory and Whitley are getting it done, but so are the new players. Nine are on the roster this year, with one of them, Emily Hinchman, earning a spot in the starting lineup.
The combination of new players and returning veterans have worked so far for the Vikings.
"We have a young team," Whitley said. "We are just learning to play together. The seniors are really using their leadership."
As for Geneva's rival, Batavia is 3-0 for the first time since coach Tim DeBruycker started after winning IMSA's tournament.
"Can't complain about that," DeBruycker said about the team's 3-0 showing. "I think IMSA ran a great tournament. It was great to go out there and play some different teams. Aurora Christian was athletic and Earlville was physical, and we handled both of them. It will be interesting to see what we can do against Yorkville and Rochelle."
The Bulldogs begin Western Sun Conference play tonight at Yorkville.
Batavia has mainly relied on its guards and forwards, including Natalie Tarter, Kara Lydon and Sara Fruendt.
"We aren't tall, but we are athletic," DeBruycker said. "We are just going to try to utilize our speed."
Can't-miss game Tuesday:ŒRosary and West Aurora battle it out in this nonconference contest on the Blackhawks' home court at 7:30 p.m.
Both teams have started the season a bit up and down. The Blackhawks began their own tournament .500 and after winning the first four games of the season.
"I told the girls, I think we can play with almost anyone," West Aurora coach Connie Siljendahl said. "It's just a matter of what we decide to do. If we want to work hard, we can … I know we have a lot of potential."
The Royals dropped the last two in Geneva's tournament, which gave them a fourth-place finish. They began Suburban Catholic Conference play Monday against Marian.
"Other than (the games against Wheaton Academy and Providence at Geneva's tournament), we've been doing well," Rosary coach Dave Beebe said.