Falcons clip Neuqua
A year removed from game action, Brooke Olson still knows what makes Wheaton North girls basketball tick.
"We pride ourselves on our defense here," the Falcons senior said.
Olson and the Falcons had reason to feel good Friday night, rallying past Neuqua Valley 50-43 in the first game of the Hinsdale South Tourney in Wheaton.
Wheaton North (1-0) held Neuqua Valley scoreless for a critical three-minute stretch in the fourth quarter.
"I'm excited for our kids," Wheaton North coach David Eaton said. "Just a few years ago we were 1-27. Now to be able to compete with teams like Neuqua Valley shows how hard our kids have worked."
A 10-point second quarter by Neuqua Valley senior guard Morgan Williams took the Wildcats into halftime up 26-19. Neuqua Valley (1-1) led 33-25 with 2:26 left in the third, and the margin was at 37-34 with 5:12 left in the fourth after McKenzie Hughes split two free throws.
An Olson free throw made it a 2-point game, and Wheaton North pressured Neuqua Valley into turnovers on four straight possessions.
A Madison Goudy drive and score tied it with 3:31 left, and Olson kissed a short shot off glass to give Wheaton North a 39-37 lead with 2:55 left. It was the Falcons' first lead since early in the second quarter, and two Goudy free throws moments later made it 41-37.
"We changed things up a little bit defensively this season," Eaton said, "and I think the girls have responded well to it. We're switching around between three or four defenses. Hopefully, that will keep teams off-balance."
Neuqua Valley turned the ball over eight times in the fourth quarter and didn't make a shot from the field until Jenna Marsalli's 3-pointer with 51 seconds left.
Not too surprising, given the Wildcats start two freshmen, a sophomore and two seniors in Morgan and Brittany Williams who transferred to Neuqua Valley this year.
"We have a young team," Wildcats coach Mike Williams said, "and I'm seeing the same signs we had with all of our good teams. What's most important is what happens in January and February. You have to go through some growing pains."
Olson, who missed last season with a broken foot, scored 9 of her 11 points in the fourth quarter. She drained four free throws in the final minute to preserve the lead. Goudy added 10 points and Lauren Graham 8 points and 8 rebounds for Wheaton North.
"It's been a while," Olson said, "but I'm happy to get the win. It felt like I've been born again."
Morgan Williams scored 16 points, freshman guard Becky Williford 12 and Bria Williams had 6 points and 12 rebounds for Neuqua Valley.