Conant, Hoffman Estates net Mid-Suburban West wins
There was no clear edge between two rival schools separated by just 3 miles as Conant and Schaumburg clashed in girls basketball on Friday night.
The game, from start to finish, was a back-and-forth battle between the two.
Neither team could capitalize on the others' mistakes for any extended period, but when the clock struck zero, the Cougars had edged the Saxons 40-36.
Conant (3-6, 1-1) came out of the tipoff a bit timid, but very controlled on offense.
The Cougars were outmatched in height but junior guard/forward Lindsay Fillingim came off the bench as leading scorer with 11 points in the first half.
The Saxons (2-7, 1-1) were the defensive enforcers, playing a very physical style. Schaumburg crashed the boards with no regard, out-battling the Cougars 26-10.
The game was tied 18-18 at half.
The second half was a different story as the Cougars entered with high energy and put together 5-0 and 6-0 runs.
"I think it was the seniors who took control," said Cougars coach Dan Travers. "We played great against Fremd, and played inconsistent against Glenbard East, but we've had three really good days of practice, and they showed it. They were on the home floor and wanted to play to win."
The Saxons totaled 8 turnovers in the first half but after the break only had one.
Even with the physical defense by the Saxons, the Cougars showed resolve.
And in the fourth quarter, Conant stepped up its defensive efforts as Schaumburg suffered a 41/2-minute scoring drought.
The Saxons got to the free throw line frequently in the fourth quarter, made just 2 of 8.
With the game winding down, Conant senior guard Ashley Lindeman (11 points) and junior forward Alyssa Rawleigh (7 points) put the game on their shoulders.
Lindeman was sent to the line on three occasions, going 4 of 6 and putting the game out of reach.
"I was really nervous, but we practice pressure free throws all the time," Lindeman said. "We have a diverse and versatile group and the bench really pulled through. Coach (Travers) prepared us, and we were ready. It really paid off."
In the final 10 seconds, Saxons sophomore forward Alyssa Saklak hit a 3-pointer to keep the game within reach.
One final trip to the foul line by Lindeman put it out of reach again.
"We have to find a way to score," said Saxons coach Ashley Berggren. "You have to give credit to Conant. They played solid team defense and took us out of synch a little bit. The free throws are our nemesis."
Hoffman Estates 42, Palatine 32: Hoffman Estates, which led by as many as 15 points in the game, got its first win in the MSL West (1-1) and improved to 3-3 overall.
The Hawks received 12 points apiece from Megan Bernardoni and Jada Stotts while Kelsey Lukowicz added 7.
"Kelsey showed great leadership for us," said Hoffman coach Mike Nocella. "And she played a real balanced game."
The Pirates (2-6, 1-1) were led by junior guard Katie Mnichowicz, who tossed in 13 points.
"She played a real nice game for Palatine," Nocella added.