Driscoll beats Bishop McNamara; heading downstate

Even as Driscoll rolled through a near-perfect season, the Highlanders knew a roadblock from Kankakee lay waiting on the road to Normal.

Turns out it was no more than a speed bump to state.

Avenging last year's supersectional loss to Bishop McNamara, the Highlanders advanced to the girls basketball state tournament for the first time with a 54-35 win on Monday at the Class 2A Elgin Community College supersectional.

Driscoll (31-1) will play Olney East Richland at 6:30 p.m. Friday in the first state semifinal at Redbird Arena.

"Ever since last year when we lost to Bishop Mac every girl has just put their heart and soul into this," Highlanders senior Gigi DiGrazia said. "It means the world to finally get over that hump and make it downstate."

Courtney Lindfors, scoreless after a quarter, finished with 15 points, 15 rebounds and 8 blocks and Kasey Reaber had 18 points for Driscoll, which led from midway through the second quarter on. A slow start didn't faze the Highlanders against a McNamara team that had qualified for state four out of the last five years.

"Our kids played with poise today," Driscoll coach Steve McCuiston said. "The kids deserve it. There's been a lot of pressure on them to perform and they have."

Driscoll came out tentative against McNamara's extended zone defense, turning the ball over 9 times in the first quarter with Lindfors getting just one shot attempt.

The Highlanders trailed 11-8 after a quarter, but Allie DiVito knocked down a 3-pointer to start the second. Trailing 15-13, Driscoll took the lead for good with a quick 8-0 burst. Lindfors hit two free throws and muscled in her first basket, Reaber darted down the lane for a driving layup and Lindfors put in a follow shot for a 21-15 lead.

"I think Courtney was open the whole game," DiGrazia said, "it's just that early in the game nobody wanted to make that pass to her and make a mistake. We felt confident getting it into her."

Ahead 21-17 at half, the Highlanders grabbed control of a close game out of the break. Lindfors converted a three-point play on Driscoll's first possession, and DiVito buried another 3-pointer to push the lead to double figures. McNamara never drew closer than 7, DiGrazia hitting a 3-pointer to give Driscoll a 36-26 lead after three quarters.

"We had some butterflies early," Reaber said. "We just had to settle down and play our game."

Belinda Schaafsma led McNamara (19-11) with 10 points. DiVito scored 10 points for Driscoll.

"Revenge," Lindfors said, "it's very sweet."

Driscoll 54, Bishop McNamara 35

Bishop McNamara - Weigt 3 0-0 7, Olszewski 3 0-0 6, LaReau 2 0-0 4, Burczak 0 0-0 0, Schaafsma 3 4-7 10, Tatum 2 4-4 8, Connor 0 0-0 0, Lowman 0 0-0 0, Coglianese 0 0-0 0, Kidwell 0 0-0 0, Powell 0 0-0 0, LaMore 0 0-0 0. Totals: 13 8-11 35.

Driscoll - DiVito 4 0-0 10, T. Reaber 3 0-0 6, K. Reaber 6 6-6 18, DiGrazia 1 0-0 3, Lindfors 5 5-5 15, Shaquira Scott 0 0-0 0, Shaquina Scott 0 0-0 0, Medinger 0 2-2 2, Osial 0 0-0 0, Maritote 0 0-0 0, Jozwiak 0 0-0 0. Totals: 19 13-13 54.

Bishop McNamara 11 6 9 9 -35

Driscoll 8 13 15 18 -54

3-point baskets: BM: Weigt. D: DiVito 2, DiGrazia Fouled out: none. Rebounds: BM: 12 (Schaafsma 6). D: 25 (Lindfors 15). Blocks: D: Lindfors 8. Turnovers: BM: 16. D: 22.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Video</h2> <ul class="video"> <li><a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/multimedia/?category=19&type=video&item=87">Highlights from Driscoll supersectional win</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>