Mundelein powers past Round Lake in regional

Mundelein took a step forward and picked up a victory in the opening game of the girls basketball state tournament on Monday night.

The No. 11-seeded Mustangs slid past visiting Round Lake 55-33 in the Class 4A Mundelein regional.

Olivia Dunigan poured in a season-best 19 points with 15 rebounds and 5 steals, Brooke Evans added 12 points and 6 boards, Amanda Davis chipped in 9 points and Jessi Bjerning had 8.

Mundelein (16-14) next plays No. 2 seed Hersey (22-7) in the regional semifinals at Tuesday 6 p.m. at Mundelein.

The Mustangs had recently played the Panthers (6-21) and won that game by 9 points. This time around Mundelein needed a better result.

"We played better this time than we played last week," Mundelein coach Brian Evans said. "Second half (at Round Lake), we laid an egg. Round Lake came out more aggressive.

"We talked at half about not letting down. So we came out the first three minutes (Monday), and we played well. Offensively, we played OK in the third quarter and much better in the final quarter."

Round Lake was aggressive early on and took the lead with an opening basket from Chanae Brown on a rebound and putback for part of her team-high 14 points. Round Lake was tied with Mundelein at 4-4 midway through the opening quarter.

"We came out early and held with them for a while," Round Lake coach Gary Edge said. "We had issues with (Dunigan). You're not going to win games like that, and it's something we've been dealing with all year."

Dunigan scored 6 points in part of the Mustangs' 12-4 run for a 16-8 lead by the end of the first quarter.

"When you get into a game like this, you're more relaxed," Dunigan said. "You've got to give it all you got, because you know it might be your last game.

"(Round Lake) was playing a zone and I was closer to the basket already. It was easier with the outside shots to get the rebounds and all I had to is figure out the direction to get them against a shorter team."

Mundelein extended its lead by outscoring Round Lake 16-8 in the second quarter and led 32-16 at the break.

For Round Lake, Edge coached his final game, ending a run of 29 years as he steps toward retirement.

"I don't think I would've done it this long without all the help I've had with the staff," Edge said. "I've worked with good people who have been knowledgeable about the kids and the game. It has been fun over the years. It's been a great ride. Sometimes not having the great talent, but I believe we've gotten the best talent out of what we had."

Edge has no regrets about leaving the game and has enjoyed them over the years.

"They say there's a time for everything. I think I've accomplished a lot. I don't think you see people doing it that long anymore. Or there's a few of us still left staying at one school. I started at Round Lake and I ended at Round Lake. I don't think it happens that much any more."