Pats shut down Highland Park
After scoring 6 consecutive points in its season opener at Highland Park on Monday, the Stevenson girls basketball team watched the Giants finish the quarter with 21 points.
"That was not acceptable," senior guard Courtney Graber said. "After coach (Trish Betthauser) talked to us we were all pumped up."
Nothing came easily for Highland Park the rest of the game.
The Patriots forced 25 turnovers, many of which they converted into fastbreak points, on their way to a 64-46 victory. Highland Park managed 25 points over the final three quarters.
"The coaches are always telling us to get our hands in the air, and we were able to get a lot of deflections," Graber said.
Graber had a team-high 5 steals. Senior Kayla Fisher and sophomore Anna Morrissey each contributed 3 steals.
Stevenson started the game in man-to-man defense but shifted to zone to help offset early foul trouble. After getting beaten up on the boards in the first quarter, the Patriots drastically limited Highland Park's second-chance opportunities.
Betthauser liked the way the girls did not panic following the first quarter.
"They're young and they have a lot of energy," she said.
Stevenson (1-0) outscored Highland Park 25-8 in the second quarter. As the game wore on, the Giants (0-1) became increasingly frustrated by Stevenson's defense.
"When they get frustrated that means we are doing something right," Fisher said.
Fisher finished with a game-high 21 points.
"She showed a lot of maturity from last year," Betthauser said. "She forced the tempo, made good decisions and was relentless on defense."
After Highland Park turnovers, Fisher was able to beat the Giants back down the court. Several of her fast-break baskets were set up by Graber steals.
"I really like my guard combination," Betthauser said.
Highland Park senior Genny Arnold hit 2 3-pointers but was held to 12 points. Brianna Collier, a 5-foot-11 sophomore, had a team-high 17 points. She scored 11 points in the first quarter when Highland Park was controlling the game.
"She was really aggressive," Betthauser said. "She would get the rebound and take it right down the floor."
Sophomore Michelle O'Brien had 13 points and 12 rebounds. Morrissey contributed 11 points and 8 rebounds.
The final margin could have been greater but Stevenson was 12 of 28 from the free throw line.
"We had a lot of fun once we got the jitters out," Fisher said. "We have a lot of potential."
Mundelein 63, Glenbrook North 31: Toni Knar scored a game-high 20 points to lead the Mustangs to a victory in their own Thanksgiving tournament. Teammate Kelsey O'Connor added 12 points for Mundelein, which had stormed out to a 38-15 advantage by halftime.
Grant 46, Fremd 37: With a game-high 16 points, including 4 3-pointers, Gina Cellucci shot Grant past Fremd. The Bulldogs also got 8 points from Alyssa Pasiewicz.
Wauconda 38, Crystal Lake Central 29: Tammy Ellis scored a team-high 13 points to lead the Bulldogs to victory. Aimee Prudhomme tallied a team-high 6 rebounds for Wauconda.
Prairie Ridge 59, Vernon Hills 52: Julie Schwartz and Shannon Hennelly each had big fourth quarters to lead Prairie Ridge to a victory in the Mundelein Thanksgiving Tournament. Schwartz finished with 17 points while Hennelly added 13 points. Sarah Krippinger led Vernon Hills with 18 points, including 3 3-pointers. Alana Coy added 13 points for the Cougars.
Prospect 44, Libertyville 36: Kristy Williams scored a game-high 18 points, which included a 6-for-6 performance at the line, but it wasn't enough to turn back Prospect. The Wildcats also got 8 points from Haley Walton.