Knights line up 1st win over Rams

Grayslake North girls basketball coach Jim Sarver saw a lot of similarities between his team and visiting Grayslake Central on Tuesday.

"When they split the school two years ago, it was like one cell turning into two," Sarver said. "The kids at both schools play hard and have nice attitudes on the court. That's why it was a good game, and next time we play it will be the same thing."

Grayslake North's performance at the free-throw line was critical in its 53-49 victory in a Fox Valley Conference game. This was the first time in three meetings the Knights have defeated Grayslake Central.

North was 16 of 22 from the line, and 13 of 17 in the fourth quarter. By contrast, Central was 14 of 24 at the stripe.

Knights sophomore Lauren Erikson hit four 3-pointers and scored a game-high 22 points. She made 4 crucial free throws down the stretch.

"I was hitting my 3-pointers and my teammates had confidence to give me the ball," Erikson said. "That gave me a boost."

Junior Ali Vlahos knocked down a pair of 3-pointers and senior Natalie Barczyk also hit a shot from beyond the arc. The Knights (9-10, 2-1) made seven 3-pointers, four more than the Rams (5-14, 1-2).

"Our ability to shoot the 3-pointer keeps us in games," Sarver said. "That was the difference."

All three of Grayslake Central's 3-pointers came courtesy of junior Katelyn Putkonen (17 points).

"She came off the bench to give us a spark," Rams coach Roger Lass said. "She's a very good offensive player, and she hit some great shots."

Senior guard Rachel Culp (12 points) also was in doubles figures for the Rams.

Grayslake Central led virtually the entire game, and the Rams were on top 33-29 going into the fourth quarter. The Knights responded with an 11-2 run.

When the Rams pressed full-court, a pinpoint pass from senior point guard Elizabeth Phillips found the hands of senior Amanda Leon. Leon's layup gave the Knights a 40-35 advantage.

"When I was trapped in the backcourt, I saw Amanda by the basket," Phillips said. "She made a great catch under the basket."

With her team down 47-40, two 3-pointers by Putkonen made it a 1-point game. The Knights, though, kept hitting from the line and were able to increase their slim lead.

"We had a little lull with five minutes to go," Lass said. "Give them credit because they kept hitting those shots."