Montini storms past Bogan
Like the biggest kid in the old King of the Hill game, Montini seems to play its best when it fears its supremacy is in question.
Bogan was the latest challenger to be snowed under.
The Bengals - considered among the top 10 teams in the Chicago area - were blown out 64-38 in the final game of pool play Monday at the Montini Christmas Tournament.
Montini (14-1), unbeaten in pool play, plays Marian Catholic at 8 p.m. tonight. T.F. North also went 3-0 in pool play.
"We've been talking about this game for a while," said Montini junior Whitney Adams, who had 7 points and 10 rebounds. "We know that everybody that walks on our court wants to beat us. We don't want to lose any more games this season."
Earlier this month Montini beat supposed top Suburban Christian Blue challengers Rosary and Immaculate Conception by a combined 65 points in a span of 72 hours. At the Sterling Shootout last week the Broncos routed fellow Class 3A contender Peoria Richwoods.
"When we do play better teams we do bring a different level of energy," Montini coach Jason Nichols said, "but that's unacceptable. You gotta bring it every night. I don't sugarcoat things. Tonight they did a great job and I let them know it."
Michala Johnson had 14 points and 10 rebounds, playing roughly half the game. Twelve of her point total came in the first half, her stickback a minute into the second quarter capping a 16-2 run to put the Broncos ahead 21-6.
"This game was a good test," Johnson said, "because my teammates played (Bogan) last year and I wasn't there. This gives me a chance to show them I'm back."
With Johnson sitting the last 6:25 of the half with two fouls, Bogan pulled within 28-20 at the break. It was 33-24 midway through the third quarter, but a 16-0 Montini run put the game away.
Montini's matchup zone kept Bogan in check throughout the game and the Broncos rebounded well out of it. Bogan managed just one offensive rebound in the first half, negating any Bengals fullcourt pressure.
"The key to beating a team like that," Nichols said, "is keeping them in front of you, forcing them to shoot jump shots and defending your glass. If you limit their scoring opportunities, they can't pressure you."
Kiki Wilson scored 12 points and Whitney Holloway and Courtney Thomas 7 apiece. Xavier recruit Lynette Holmes led Bogan (10-3) with 16 points.