Lowery's clutch shot lifts Huntley past McHenry

Kadie Lowery was just trying to get to the basket and get fouled.

The Huntley senior guard got more than she bargained for.

Lowery's driving layup off the glass with 5.3 seconds left gave the second-seeded Red Raiders an exhilarating 38-36 win over third-seeded McHenry in semifinal action of the Class 4A Huntley girls basketball regional Tuesday.

Ashley Conway's desperation 20-footer fell short and the Red Raiders had earned a berth in the regional title game with a narrow 2-point win.

"I just wanted to get a good shot off and possibly get fouled," said Lowery. "It was a tough shot and I wasn't sure it was going in. It was a tough win. McHenry played a great game.

"We are glad to be playing for a regional championship."

Huntley coach Steve Raethz heaped all the praise on Lowery.

"Kadie Lowery showed a ton of courage for taking that shot," said the Huntley coach. "It was a great move by Kadie and a great win for our team. It was a tough shot and she did a good job of getting the ball on the glass.

"I give a ton credit to McHenry. They played a great game. We had to grind this one out for four quarters. We kept clawing back and manufacturing baskets."

Huntley (19-8), which defeated McHenry for a third time this season, will play top-seeded DeKalb for the regional championship Thursday at 7:30 p.m. DeKalb knocked off fourth-seeded Prairie Ridge 47-39 in overtime.

McHenry, courtesy of 8 points from Conway jumped out to 11-2 lead midway through the first quarter.

The Warriors held that lead until Lowery hit a 5-footer with 6:28 left in the game to give the Red Raiders a 32-31 lead. It was Huntley's first lead of the game.

The Warriors (21-10) regained the lead 36-34 on a 3-pointer by Emma Romme with 4:15 left. Those would be the last points McHenry would score.

Carly Goede's layup off a perfect pass from Lowery with 2:15 left tied the score at 36.

CeCe Tsevas was the lone Red Raider in double figures with 11 points while Meagan Flynn added 9.

Conway paced McHenry with 16 points and 13 rebounds.