Niles West starts strong, defeats Grant

Niles West 47, Grant 39

Freshman Jewell Loyd helped Niles West sprint to a 10-0 lead as the Wolves defeated Grant 47-39 in the opening round of the Thanksgiving Challenge at Deerfield.

Loyd scored the first six points of the game and led all scorers with 27 points.

"I just worked off the offense," said Loyd, who also dished out a game-leading 9 assists. "We play as a team and that helps a lot because once I drive, I just kick it out, which creates a lot of space. So I was able to get my shots."

Grant first year coach John Eiduke was impressed with Loyd.

"She is definitely a heck of a ballplayer," he said. "She's a quick kid and they spread the floor for her. She made a lot happen and our defense wasn't able to stop her.

"Niles West got up early and we never really rebounded from that," Eiduke added. "We kind of got into a hole and never found the rythem thereafter."

Gina Cellucci sank four 3-pointers to lead Grant with 14 points, while Amber Potts sank two 3s to finish with 10 points. Kassie Stimpson also sank a 3.

"I was just disappointed with the way we played tonight," Cellucci said. "We just didn't do the things we needed to do."