Dundee-Crown tops Elgin for sixth straight victory
Ali Sanders has suffered through a lot of losing during her first two seasons on the varsity level with the Dundee-Crown girls basketball team.
That appears to be changing now. The Chargers won their sixth consecutive game Thursday night, beating host Elgin, 52-20, in nonconference action.
"Having this streak is a big confidence booster," Sanders said. "We're kind of used to losing. This year is making a big difference for us, a big change, because people the last few years haven't thought of Dundee-Crown as a winning basketball program. But people are definitely changing their mind this year seeing us play."
The Chargers (6-4) lost their first four games of the season, but didn't hang their heads after the tough start. They have won two games this week without starting guard Carlin Faulkner, who injured her ankle last Saturday.
Faulkner wasn't needed Thursday as D-C dominated Elgin (0-11) from the start. The Chargers had 10 steals in the first quarter and led 12-2 after the first 8 minutes. Sanders scored six points and four steals in the quarter. The Maroons had 12 turnovers and shot just 1-for-8 in the quarter.
D-C increased the lead to 24-8 at halftime and led 39-12 after three quarters.
"The girls are feeling more confident and we need that going into the Christmas tournament," Chargers coach Michelle Russell said. "We're trying to keep the confidence up and got to get our turnovers down a little bit."
Elgin committed 32 turnovers and shot 18 percent (7-for-38). Bri Hamilton led the Maroons with eight points and nine rebounds.
"We didn't execute very well," Maroons coach Dr. Nick Bumbales said. "It kind of looked like open gym tonight, just come out and (take the) first shot not waiting for the best shot."
Sanders scored a game-high 18 points, had 7 steals and grabbed 5 rebounds. Diamond Williams added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 6 steals.
"Our ball movement is real good. We're getting open shots for everyone," Sanders said. "We're also looking to push the ball up the court a lot better. Feeding it into the post and kicking it back out is working real well for us also."