Rams win tourney title for first time
Jackie Foreman didn't need to be reminded of the significance of Saturday's win. Beating Glenbard South was doubly sweet.
A year after losing to the Raiders at the Rachel Bach Memorial Basketball Tournament in Lombard, Glenbard East turned the tables with a 52-38 win. In the process the Rams (5-0) won their own tournament outright for the first time in its 13-year history.
"We've been waiting for this," said Foreman, who had 13 points and 6 rebounds. "It feels good to come out on top for the first time. Our whole team worked hard all tournament and got it done."
As on Friday in a 34-32 win over Glenbard West, Glenbard East got it done at the free-throw line. The Rams made 21 of 28 free throws and scored 10 points from the line in the second quarter when Glenbard East carved out a 25-19 halftime lead.
"This is a really good free-throw shooting team," Rams coach Nicole Miller said. "They're making people pay for putting them on the line."
Glenbard South (4-1) led 18-16 with 3:01 left in the second quarter after a basket by Alyssa Yasak, but from there Glenbard East went on a 14-1 run extending into the third quarter. Jamie Klepetka made a pair of free throws to start things off. Foreman's three-point play and ensuing jumper with 6:20 left in the third made it 30-19.
It didn't help Glenbard South that post players Maja Despot and Nevena Markovic both picked up two fouls in the first quarter. They scored a combined 8 points on just 9 shot attempts.
"I revamped our offense to go around those post players," Raiders coach Julie Fonda said, "and if those players don't want to accept it I'll change the offense again. They have to step up and demand the basketball."
Kelsey Taylor scored 12 points, and tournament MVP Olivia Trefilek had 4 points and 6 rebounds for Glenbard East.
Meghan Pipal scored 13 points, and backcourt mate Kim Schwerdtmann 9 before leaving in the final minute of the game with a hyperextended knee diving for a loose ball.
"You can't walk out of here upset to be 4-1," Fonda said. "We're playing against 4A schools, and it's good for us. We didn't play a very good game today, but we have a lot to look forward to."