Marian Catholic dumps St. Viator

Everyone got into the act for St. Viator’s girls basketball team when the Lions celebrated Senior’s Day.

Unfortunately for the Lions, Marian Catholic features one of the top acts in the state.

The Spartans from Chicago Heights used their speed and strength to post a 62-41 East Suburban Catholic Conference triumph at the Cahill Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.

“Marian Catholic is an outstanding team,” said Lions coach Paul Bjerkness, who played all 12 of his available girls. “I thought our rebounding was better as a group (Maggie Dougherty, Lauren Rooney and Emily Leazer led the way). But we’ve got to get even more.”

A steal by Julia Frank was converted into a layup by Taylor Skala to give St. Viator a 2-0 lead at the 7:35 mark on the first quarter.

But the Spartans (23-4, 7-0) countered with the next 11 points and never looked back as senior guard Jasmine Matthews led the way with a game-high 17 points.

“I appreciated Jasmine’s real sense of urgency,” said Spartans coach Annie Bryne, whose Class 4A powerhouse won this year’s Maine West Tip-Off Classic. “She was super focused. That’s what we need from all our kids.”

Skala led the way for St. Viator (12-15, 1-7) with 10 points and 4 assists. She was honored before the contest with fellow seniors Frank, Megan Bailey, Dougherty, Leazer, Kim McAvoy, Martha McAvoy, Tracy Supergan and Diana VanStedum.

For Leazer, Senior Day meant a return to the floor after the volleyball standout had been sidelined for more than a month with a stress fracture.

“I wish I could have come back sooner,” said Leazer, who tossed in a 14-footer in the free-throw lane with 3:36 left in the game. “But it was nice to be back for this day. It (injury) felt perfectly well.”

Kim McAvoy added 8 points for the Lions. while junior Katie Gavin converted a pair of 3-point plays for her 6 points.

Martha McAvoy scored the game’s final 2 baskets with driving bank shots.

“You’ve always got to hustle right to the end,” Martha said. “Marian Catholic really hustled. They beat us to every ball. They’re one of the best teams we’ve played. They’re quick.”

Bjerkness liked his team’s effort on Senior Day.

“I liked the teamwork,” Bjerkness said. “I thought we got some real good looks, and we took them. We’ve still got to get more shots, though.”

Lyons Township 30, Maine West 23: Freshman Brittany Collins led the visiting Warriors (10-19) with 11 points, 9 rebounds and 6 blocked shots in the nonconference game.