Aurora Christian overcomes early miscues

Aurora Christian overcame some early stumbles and a strong defensive effort by Aurora Central Wednesday night in girls basketball action.

The visiting Eagles (4-3) staked themselves to a 15-8 lead despite committing 4 turnovers in the opening minute, and 13 in the first quarter. They went on to a 55-47 victory.

"We knew Aurora Central was going to be a very physical team," Aurora Christian coach Dan Stone said. "We wanted to come out and make a statement, and I think we were a little too excited."

Aurora Central's press was part of an effort by the Chargers to challenge every ball.

"Defense is vital for us," Aurora Central coach Ella Fay Griffin said. "Unfortunately, we didn't capitalize on some of the turnovers."

Brooke Frantzen banked in a putback to give the Chargers a 6-4 lead. But the Eagles responded by scoring 11 straight to take control of the game.

"We did a good job of using our frustration to finally calm down," Aurora Christian guard Lauren Heck said.

Heck, who led all scorers with 18 points, came up big when the Eagles needed her most. After Stephanie Pogwizd drained a 3-pointer to draw to Chargers to within 4 at the start of the second quarter, Heck answered with a 3 of her own.

"I did get some open looks, and we all did a good job of creating passing lanes," Heck said. "We're starting to work as a team."

Rachel Mertens connected from beyond the arc as Aurora Christian extended its lead to 32-22 at the break.

"The girls settled down enough to work the offense," Stone said. "But you've got to hand it to Aurora Central. They never quit."

The Chargers brought a noticeable determination to the floor at the start of the second half, but that was soon tempered by Aurora Christian's aggressive defense, led by Mertens and her game-high 7 steals.

"Defense is my favorite part of the game," Mertens said. "It was a big part of this game for us."

Aurora Christian extended its lead to 44-30 after three quarters, and eventually lead by as many as 16. But the Chargers were not about to fold.

"I told the girls to relax and take the open shot," Griffin said.

Stephanie Schuetz scored 11 points in the fourth quarter and provided the Chargers (0-6) with a much-welcomed spark.

"We really need a push," Schuetz said. "We started getting a lot more intensity."

For the struggling Chargers, confidence has been difficult to come by. But on this night, at least for one quarter, it became like a sixth player on their side of the court.

"It was getting more exciting and we started feeling better about the way we were playing," Schuetz said.