Hersey passes big test vs. Cary-Grove
Andrea Perkins and Kari Tunney will be the first ones to tell you they are not going to be big-time girls basketball scoring machines.
"Passing is more my thing than shooting," said Tunney, also a softball player.
"I'm not much of an offensive threat so my way of contributing is getting assists to the posts," Perkins said.
The Hersey senior guards sure displayed their passing skills Saturday night at the Ken Carter Gymnasium in Arlington as they combined for 9 assists in a 50-34 nonconference victory over Cary Grove, which fell for only the second time in 22 games.
The Huskies (15-6) dropped a tough 51-48 decision to powerful Mid-Suburban East rival Wheeling on Friday.
"Coach (Mary Fendley) told us we had to stop the bleeding," said Perkins, who also plays tennis and soccer. "We had not lost two games in a row (Prospect the other defeat) all season."
Huskies junior Megan Rogowski scored a game-high 21 points, while seniors Kathryn Korff chipped in 10 and Maddie Swan 9. Korff and Rogowski each had 9 rebounds, while Swan had 8.
"Obviously they're a good team and Rogo is a stud," said Trojans coach Rod Saffert. "We're not used to missing as many free throws (10-for-22) as we did and not getting a 3-pointer in a game.
"In my opinion, we held ourselves to 34 points. I felt we had some good scoring opportunities and we didn't capitalize."
Rogowski's 16-foot swish gave Hersey a 14-9 lead after one quarter. The Huskies pulled away to a 20-10 lead as Swan made 4 consecutive free throws and Perkins scored on a fastbreak layup.
In the second half, Perkins had back-to-back assists to Rogowski for buckets as the Huskies increased its cushion to 34-17 with 4:12 left in the third quarter.
"They were applying a lot of high pressure because Megan is such a good shooter so it allowed us to drive and dish," Perkins said. "We call Maddie and Kathryn our twin towers. They're both so strong and fast. If we get the ball in their area, they'll catch it."
Fendley was obviously pleased with the win.
"But I would trade it in for a win (Friday night)," she said. "I'm really happy for the girls. We beat a team with 20 wins. I thought our defense was great. They have nice players but our kids responded real well.
"Andrea (5 assists) and Kari (4 assists) made some nice passes. And Maddie, Kathryn and Megan all rebounded well."
Claire Jabubicek led the Trojans with 13 points, while her sister Olivia added 12.
"They are our mainstays," Saffert said of the junior (Claire) and freshman (Olivia). Claire is averaging almost a double-double."
Claire had 13 rebounds, while Olivia pulled down 6.