Streamwood routs Larkin

Posting a season-high 73 points, while tugging down 40 rebounds and snapping a 7-game losing streak, the Streamwood girls basketball team showed it is postseason ready with a 73-35 rout of Larkin in Upstate Eight Conference action Friday night.

After taking a 27-14 lead into the half, the Sabres exploded for a 29-point third quarter ripping off pair of big runs and leading by as many as 37 points with a minute remaining in the third.

Emma Schmidt opened the first, an 11-0 run, sinking a pair of free throws. Kim Hotovy (11 points, 5 rebounds) followed with 4 points, and Caitlin Marchant put the Sabres up 36-14 connecting from long distance. Marchant finished with 12 points.

"We've struggled the past few games, but tonight we came out and played really well," said Schmidt. "We executed on offense and hustled on defense. Not only that, but we have a deep bench. Tonight they came in and played like starters."

Schmidt was a big factor for the Sabres, recording 10 points and a dozen rebounds in the win.

Defensively, Streamwood (7-19, 2-8) held the Royals to just 8 successful field goals, and single-digit scoring in two of four quarters.

"Defensively, we mixed it up," said Sabres coach George Rosner. "Larkin wasn't shooting very well which is something we've all experienced. That said, we got confident rebounding and were able to capitalize."

Forward Melissa Oehlerking nabbed a double-double to lead Streamwood with 13 points and 10 boards. Rebounding led the Sabres to their biggest lead of the night at 55-18 following 14 unanswered points.

Larkin (2-21, 0-10) couldn't capitalize on Senior Night, but stayed alive early by converting 10-of-10 from the foul line in the first half.

"At times I thought we were playing very aggressive ball," said Larkin coach Amy Silverman. "We did not get the job done boxing out, and that really hurt us. Offensively, we weren't patient."

Jessica Harris got her rhythm back to lead Larkin with 10 points, 4 steals, 2 blocks and 6 rebounds. Lindsey Casebeer (7 points, 8 rebounds) also contributed.

With 23 points from the bench, Michele Tomczak (9 points) and Alex Kowalewski (8 points) helped the Sabre cause.

"We came out to play, and we came out focused," Rosner said. "This was the best all-around execution I've seen all season."