Hersey delivers 1-2-3 KO punch to Maine West

Talk about a 1-2-3 knockout punch by Hersey's girls basketball players.

First, Julia Fredian struck with a 3-pointer from the right baseline.

Second, Kari Tunney repeated with a bomb from the left baseline.

Third, Megan Rogowski hit a 3-pointer from _ you guessed it _ the top of the circle.

The 3 consecutive long range shots, within a span of 2:13 late in the second half, gave Hersey a 34-13 lead that it never relinquished in a 65-33 triumph over Maine West Wednesday night in the opening round of the Warriors Tip-Off Classic Des Plaines.

Rogowski followed her 3-pointer with a 3-point play and then added 2 more baskets to cap a 16-0 run by the Huskies a 16-0 run

"That was really a nice run to give us a little separation," said Huskies coach Mary Fendley. "You never feel comfortable against a quality team like Maine West."

Rogowski, who tossed home a career-high 31 points in the Huskies' season opener her sophomore year against Zion-Benton, finished with a game-high 29 points Wednesday.

"We felt like we had nothing to lose," said Rogowski, who converted three 3-pointers and collected 6 rebounds and 3 assists. "They were a highly-ranked team and we felt the pressure was on them. We were ready to go. We know everyone can score on our team so we just have to focus on defense."

Other key scorers for the Huskies (1-1) were Maggie Hogen (8 points), Andrea Perkins (6), Fredian (6), Maddie Swan (4) and Jen Hall (4). Teammate Eileen Zydek grabbed 4 rebounds and Swan 3.

"We are a diverse team scoring-wise," Rogowski said. "We know everyone can score points for us."

Rogowski set the tone early for the Huskies, who fell behind 3-2 when guard Sam Acosta hit a 3-pointer for Maine West (1-1).

Rogowski answered with back-to-back 3s, giving the Huskies an 8-3 lead. Her rebound layup made it 10-3 before Hogen banked home a shot for a 12-3 cushion.

"Hersey made a lot of shots," said Maine West coach Derril Kipp. "Our defense was nonexistent. You can teach kids how to play basketball but you can't teach heart and passion. It was probably the worst effort of any team I've coached in 29 years."

Acosta and Megan O'Neil led the Warriors with 8 points apiece while Katherine Kusner chipped in 7.