New Trier ends Fenwick's run at Dundee-Crown

The streak is over.

The New Trier girls basketball team ended Fenwick's run of five consecutive Charger Classic championships Wednesday night with a 50-45 victory in the title game of the 27th annual Charger Classic at Dundee-Crown.

"It's nice to finally win here," Trevians coach Teri Rodgers said. "The kids deserved it. Our program deserved it. It was a program win."

The Friars (15-2) had won five consecutive titles and 8 of the last 10. During Fenwick's recent five-year run, it defeated New Trier four times in the championship game.

But this season the Trevians (14-2) got a little revenge thanks to a fourth-quarter rally. The championship is New Trier's first at the Charger Classic since 1986.

"We really, really wanted this tournament," New Trier senior Amy Hart said. "We really picked up the pressure in the fourth quarter."

Neither team led by more than 2 points in the first half as there were 16 lead changes. Fenwick led 26-25 at the break.

The teams traded baskets and the lead in the first 25 seconds of the third quarter. The Friars opened a 39-31 lead with 2:50 left in the third after a pair of free throws from Kyra Navarrete. On the Trevians' next possession, Fenwick's Kathleen Roche aggravated a right shoulder injury and had to leave the game. She returned early in the fourth quarter.

"We were in control. They scored a layup when she was down in pain," said Fenwick coach Dave Power, whose team was still without All-American Tricia Liston, who is out with mono. "I think from there we got a little discombobulated. We started trying to hold on for dear life instead of continuing playing like we were playing."

New Trier trailed by 6, 41-35, entering the fourth. The Trevians scored the first 7 points of the quarter to take a 42-41 lead. Navarrete finally got the Friars' first points of the quarter on a tough scoop shot in the lane with 2:06 remaining to give Fenwick a 43-42 lead.

Maggie Lyon struggled with her shot all game, but hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 1:33 left to give New Trier a 45-43 lead, the 21st and final lead change of the game.

"We take a lot of pride in our defense," said Hart, who scored four points and had a key block in the final 30 seconds. "It started off a little shaky."

Hart scored a game-high 17 points, including 13 in the second half, and 6 rebounds. Molly Quirke added 12 points for the Trevians.

Sarah Williams led Fenwick with 13 points. Navarrete and Roche each had 11.