Now it's all Wheeling as Warren falls short

For the last three years, Wheeling and Warren have met in the title game of the Blue Devil Classic.

This time around, there was considerably less drama.

Wheeling senior Ashley Wilson had 24 points and 9 rebounds Friday to lead the Wildcats to a 62-39 victory over Warren.

Wheeling improved to 4-0 for the tournament and will play Grayslake Central for the tournament title at 7:30 p.m. today. Wheeling's 23-point win was actually its closest margin of victory in the tournament. Grayslake Central is 4-0 in the Blue Devil Classic and 7-5 on the season.

For Warren, this was another opportunity for its young and talented players to go up against high-level competition.

"I didn't like our execution and transition defense, but I was happy with the way we fought for the entire game," Warren coach John Stanczykiewicz said. "That's something we haven't always seen."

Warren was within 28-18 late in the second quarter, but the Wildcats scored the final 5 points of the half. The last 2 points came on a steal and layup by junior Janelle Cannon. Twice in the second quarter, Cannon was kneed in her right leg.

"It was painful but I walked it off," said Cannon, who had 16 points. "I knew my team needed me."

Warren sophomore Morgan Garrett continues to impress. She had a team-high 12 points and 6 rebounds. She also had the primary responsibility of guarding Wilson.

"I knew it would be a tough challenge," Garrett said. "It was a pleasure to play against her."

Wilson, as she has with opponents all season, had her way down low. She made 9 of 13 shots from the field. She also had 5 steals and 5 assists.

"Teams try to take her away and she still ends up with (her) points," Wheeling coach Shelly Wiegel said. "She's so mentally tough."

Wheeling senior Bridgette Gray, who is known more for her defense, contributed 7 points.

"She always plays sound defense, but she can attack the basket and hit the 3-pointer," Wiegel said.

In the fourth quarter, Warren freshman Alexis Leneau flashed her potential. With Wilson guarding her in the open floor, Leneau finished a fast break with a neat spin move.

"Alexis is a developing talent," Stanczykiewicz said. "She's getting better every game."

Stanczykiewicz said Wheeling is the best team the Blue Devils have played this year. Since the Warriors are winning games so easily in the tournament, he said it's hard for him to compare this year's team to previous Wheeling teams.

"There hasn't been a team that's pushed them," he said. "They've been allowed to play at their pace."