Vine, Wheaton North do all the talking

Fantasia Vine pondered the wide margin of victory, smiled and said "we came to play. I'm speechless."

Her play is speaking volumes.

Wheaton North's junior guard scored 24 points in a 55-32 wipeout of No. 18 West Chicago on Thursday night in Wheaton.

The red-hot, 15th-ranked Falcons (11-7, 6-1 DuPage Valley Conference), who have won six straight, jumped ahead 15-2 early and led by as many as 31. Vine is averaging 23 points per game during the win streak.

"Tay played like Tay," Wheaton North coach David Eaton said. "She's really starting to get confidence in her game, growing into a fantastic point guard."

Wheaton North dropped West Chicago (13-7, 5-3) two games behind in the DVC, keeping pace with defending conference co-champion Naperville Central.

"We have our DVC crown to defend," Vine said. "We have a lot of young kids, but we can be a very good team."

West Chicago, which beat Wheaton North 50-47 back in December, never was in it two nights after a double-overtime loss to West Aurora.

"Maybe some carryover," West Chicago coach Kim Wallner said. "(Wheaton North) is playing with a lot of confidence. Tough loss. We have to be mentally tougher. We were not tonight."

Vine scored 16 of her points in the first half, starting with a 3-pointer on Wheaton North's first possession. Midway through the second quarter, she knocked away a West Chicago pass and went coast-to-coast for a layup, then hit a 25-footer on Wheaton North's next trip down.

Vine added to her highlight reel in the third quarter, exploding through the West Chicago defense for a soaring drive and a 41-13 lead. She made 9 of her 12 shots and also pulled down 7 rebounds.

"She's a special player," Eaton said, "who can do special things."

The capper to Vine's night came late in the third quarter, as she came out of nowhere to swat away a West Chicago shot attempt out of bounds.

"I did that the last time, too," Vine said with a smile, "to the same girl."

Maddie Baillie added 13 points and 6 rebounds for Wheaton North, part of a 42-25 Falcons edge on the boards. Not to be overlooked, Wheaton North's defense held West Chicago to its lowest point total of the season in a loss.

Liz Reyes scored 9 points and Jessica Baids 7 for the Wildcats.

"We keep telling our kids that defense wins championships," Eaton said. "Without a doubt this is the best defense we've played all season."