Sharkey shows off entire skill set

Alexa Sharkey is like a gourmet chef who buys the groceries and lays out the china.

She does a little bit of everything.

Wheaton Academy's 5-foot-9 guard showed off her versatile skill set Tuesday in Lisle, scoring 15 points to go with 14 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in the Warriors' 43-20 win.

"She can play inside, can play outside," Warriors coach Beth Mitchell said, "and she's good off the dribble. She's quick, has good handles and good size. Just an all-around good player. The great thing is she's just a junior."

Playing the baseline in Wheaton Academy's zone defense, Sharkey didn't need an outlet pass to start the Warriors' fastbreak off her own defensive rebound. She played like a second point guard in the high post of the Wheaton Academy offense, able to drive the basket or dish to teammates.

"I'm usually a two guard," Sharkey said, "but I play wherever coach needs me. I can play whatever position I'm needed."

Lisle (0-6) matched Wheaton Academy point-for-point in the early going. It was 13-13 a minute into the second quarter after Chelsea Peterson scored her fourth basket for the Lions.

Jenn Lee banked in a 3-pointer at the other end for Wheaton Academy (5-0), and the Warriors held Lisle scoreless the rest of the half. Kristine Egebrecht had a pair of baskets for the Warriors off offensive rebounds, and Sharkey had one. Sharkey finished the half going coast-to-coast on a steal and score for a 28-13 lead.

"We knew we had to box out (Peterson)," Sharkey said. "That was their key player. Once we got the ball out of her hands we were pretty much set."

Egebrecht had 10 points and 10 rebounds and Lee 8 points for Wheaton Academy.

Peterson was active all night for Lisle, scoring 12 points go with 15 rebounds, 12 at the offensive end.

"She came on tonight," Lisle coach said Jeff Javior said. "She's probably playing some of the best basketball we could ask of her."