Waubonsie Valley swarms Downers North
Asked what the difference is in Waubonsie Valley's pressure defense this year under new coach Kim Connell, Keiera Ray didn't hesitate.
"As soon as the ball goes through the net," said the Warriors sophomore, "we're right up in people's face ready for them, trying to get them to turn the ball over. It gives us a chance to get fast baskets."
Ray and the Warriors were at their swarming best Monday, overwhelming Downers Grove North 47-24 in the second round of the Bill Neibch Falcon Holiday Classic at Wheaton North.
Ray had 5 of Waubonsie's dizzying total of 28 steals. Tanysha Walls had 6, Erica Jordan 5 and Becky Williford 4. Twenty-four of Waubonsie's points came in transition.
"I don't think they were ready for our pressure," Ray said, "and I don't think they knew how to adjust to it."
No. 4 seed Waubonsie (11-1) led 27-17 a minute into the third quarter - then put the game out of reach with a 14-0 run. Ray and Tami Morice fastbreak baskets ignited things, and Walls scored off a Williford steal to push the lead to 38-17. A Walls 3-pointer made it 41-17 a minute into the fourth.
"We did a great job of not letting them run anything they wanted to run," Connell said. "We're gradually working our fullcourt pressure in. I was happy with the way it worked tonight."
Madeline Boltin scored 6 points for fifth-seeded Downers Grove North (10-4), held to its lowest point total of the season. The Trojans faced pressure in wins over Joliet and Lyons Twp. - but not quite like Waubonsie's.
"We've seen really aggressive teams," Trojans coach Leslie Dehn said, "but not that constant fullcourt. They were disciplined, athletic and a very deep team. Our kids played hard. They just couldn't get the ball to drop."
Walls scored 11 points, Morice 9 and Williford 8 for Waubonsie, one win away from returning to the championship game. Awaiting is St. Charles East, which upset top seed - and Waubonsie nemesis - Hinsdale Central in Saturday's first round.
"We're kind of upset, because we actually wanted to play them (Hinsdale Central) in the tournament," Ray said with a smile. "But we'll be up for any challenge."