Redhawks not satisfied with win vs. WW South

Naperville Central's girls basketball players made it evident Thursday night that expectations for their program this season had been raised.

The Redhawks earned a 60-50 victory in their home gym over DuPage Valley Conference foe Wheaton Warrenville South, yet they headed to the locker room after the game dissatisfied with their level of play.

Given that Naperville Central nearly lost a 16-point second-half lead, some might think the Redhawks would be pleased just escaping with the victory.

"Our players weren't really happy with their performance," Naperville Central coach Andy Nussbaum said. "It didn't seem like a winning locker room. I think 'disgusting' is the word they used, and that's nice to see in the sense that they've raised expectations for themselves."

Both teams played to a near draw in the first quarter, with Naperville Central (5-1, 1-0) taking an early 13-10 lead.

The Redhawks promptly followed with a 12-1 run to begin the second quarter. Offensive rebounds keyed the run, allowing the Redhawks multiple shots during the same possession.

Naperville Central scored the first 4 points after halftime, pushing their lead to a game-high 16 points. However, Tigers senior Sarah Langlas changed her team's fortune immediately thereafter, putting the Tigers on her back by scoring 13 third-quarter points to rally her team to within 5.

"That's what we expect from her, and that's what she can do," Wheaton Warrenville South coach Rob Kroehnke said. "She's just got to be patient, pick her spots, and let the game come to her."

Langlas' layup with 3:52 remaining in the game brought the Tigers (2-4, 0-1) to within 1 point of Naperville Central. Nearly 50 seconds later, though, Redhawks senior Katie Atwood nailed a 3 that put Naperville Central ahead by 6, while simultaneously giving her teammates a shot of confidence.

"It was great because we know we can always rely on Katie," junior point guard Kelley Hendrick said. "She always hits the ones that are needed the most."

Four Emma Ondik free throws with time winding down gave the Redhawks additional breathing room and ultimately the 10-point victory.

For Kroehnke's squad more close game situations will result in a stronger team.

"It's hard to practice situations like this in practice," he said. "You need game experience, and with two freshmen on the floor, this is how we get it done.

"It's going to come. We definitely see improvement with them, and we're only going to get better."