King helps Hoffman Estates takes down Conant 43-28

Saturday's Mid-Suburban League West Division girls basketball game between Hoffman Estates and Conant started and ended with a 3-pointer by Carol King.

But the Hawks senior guard, who scored a career-high 15 points, will be the first to tell you the Hawks' 43-28 victory was hardly all about her.

"We just played a lot like a team," said King, whose Hawks (15-2, 3-1) remained tied for first place in the West. "Conant is very good at playing a slow game and we usually are not. But this time, we did a good job running our plays and slowing it down."

The Hawks slowed the Cougars (11-6, 2-2) to 6 points in the first 10 minutes while building an 8-point lead.

A 3-point play by Hawks senior Megan Fischer (14 points, 15 rebounds) made it 17-8 with 5:26 left in the first half - and Conant never got closer than 5.

The hosts held their biggest lead at 35-15 when Fischer hit a layup early in the second half.

"Carol (King) played a great game today," said Hawks senior forward Megan Evans, who along with teammate Jada Stotts each grabbed 5 rebounds. "I'm proud of her and proud of our whole team. It was a team effort. I don't know how many times I can say that."

King was coming off a strong showing at the Mundelein tournament where the Hawks went 5-0.

"Carol played real well at that tournament," said Hawks coach Mike Nocella.

"She did a nice job defensively, too (Saturday). Carol, Kelsey Lukowicz and Megan Bernardoni all helped out on preventing Emma Loos (6 points) from driving up the middle. She (Loos) is tough and Lauran Jason (15 points, 14 rebounds) had nice game for them."

Cougars coach Dan Travers couldn't fault the effort he received from his club.

"We played with a lot of heart," he said. "The attitude and all the intangibles with these kids is just fantastic. Emma Loos got the girls ready to play by watching video.

"Our turnovers and free throws were the difference. Our effort was outstanding against a very good Hoffman Estates team. Your window for mistakes is less and less against good team like them. We've just got to get better at taking care of the basketball, getting shots and executing our offense."

A driving layup by Loos cut Hoffman's lead to 11 with two minutes left in the game.

"I liked how the kids kept battling," Travers added. "They know teams are going to play hard against us because we are going to play hard against them."