Prospect works OT to edge Wheeling
Prospect’s girls basketball team has had its share of stars this season.
This time, Adriane Falagario took center stage.
The 5-foot-6 junior guard scored a career-high 29 points, converting 21 of 22 free throws with 2 3-pointers, as the Knights pulled out a 75-70 overtime victory at Wheeling in the Mid-Suburban East.
Prospect (8-3, 2-0), which shot 81 percent at the free throw (35-43), is tied for first in the East with Rolling Meadows (7-3, 2-0).
Falagario, who was a backup to all-area guard Sarah Winans last winter, made of 14 of 14 free throws from the fourth quarter to the end of the game.
“We are a team of heroes,” said Knights coach Martha Kelly. “And Adriane was our hero tonight.
“She did a fantastic job defensively, too. For her to take a big role at both ends of the floor says a lot about her character.”
Wheeling (1-10, 0-2), which sent the game to OT on a layup at the fourth-quarter buzzer, was led by Kellie Kuzmanic (23 points, 21 rebounds, 4 blocks, 4 assists, 3 steals), Hailey Dammeier (16 points, 7 rebounds), Dee Hanna (11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist) and Leah Malsom (8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks).
Christina Brucci added 17 points for Prospect, followed by Taylor Will (9), Trisha Benson (8) and Jessica Petrovski (8).
Petrovski, who missed the last two games because of illness, was 4-of-4 from the floor.
“Wheeling is so much better than its record,” Kelly said. “They are scrappy and tough.”
Brucci had a steal to start the extra session and was fouled going in for a layup. She made both free throws. Moments later, Benson scored on a layup for a 4-point lead.
“We did a good job getting the ball into the lane,” Kelly said. “Our girls were down 11 after one quarter but they don’t let that bother them. It’s a very competitive group and they stay together.
“This was probably one of the best games I’ve had the pleasure to coach. The girls were having fun.”
Elk Grove 52, Buffalo Grove 40: Diamond Boyd (13 points), Kari Czeszewski (9), Kelly Naughton (9) and Taylor Brown (9) were top scorers for the Grenadiers (4-3, 1-1).
Boyd scored 9 of her points in the final quarter.
“I’m proud of the girls for being very balanced in our scoring,” said Grens coach Ryan Kirkorsky. “Diamond received a lot of attention from their defense, so everyone stepped up. Taylor Brown was key player for us, hitting 3 3-pointers.”
BG (1-7, 0-2) was led by junior Bailey North and senior Emily Cho (8-of-9 free throws), who each scored 10 points.
Schaumburg 68, Hoffman Estates 38: Junior point guard Amanda Kelly scored 24 points, converting 5 of 6 3-pointers and making 3 steals.
Freshman Jada Blackwell added 16 points for the Saxons (3-5, 1-1), going 5 of 6 from the field. Teammate Alyssa Saklak chipped in 11 points.
Hoffman (1-6, 0-2) was led by Destinée Young (15 points), Mary Pettit (9) and Becca Stoczynski (9).
Maine West 51, Maine East 48 (OT): Sophomore Brittany Collins (22 points, 15 rebounds) and senior Amanda Hoye (11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) led host Maine West (3-7, 3-0) in the CSL North.
Megan John and Collins each had baskets in the extra session while Hoye had a pair of free throws and Bridget Burger 1.
Alexia Prosperi added 9 points for West.