Cunningham paces Lakes’ triumph

Ashlee Cunningham scored 13 points, pacing Lakes’ girls basketball team to a 52-32 win over Woodstock in opening-round action of the Northern Illinois Holiday Classic at Woodstock on Friday night.

“Ashlee not only was the game high scorer in this physical game, but she did a great job on the boards,” Eagles coach Pete Schneider said. “Ashlee has great quickness and great anticipation. She is a very smart player.”

Lakes freshman Marissa Merges got her first start and had 10 points.

“What a great game for her,” Schneider said. “She did a great job. She moves very well for a 6-footer. It’s great to see her improvement this year. It is starting to come together for her.”

Nicole Mogged added 9 points for Lakes (4-6), which struggled from the foul line again, going 16 of 27.

“We made them at the end but really need to focus a little more,” Schneider said.

“Amanda Smith handled the ball extremely well. She is hard to handle and Woodstock had no answer for her ballhandling. She pretty much broke the press break alone and found the open player in the frontcourt.”

Woodstock was led by Cody Brand with 11 points.

Rockford Jefferson 39, Wauconda 26: At Marengo, the Bulldogs dropped their tournament opener, despite 8 points from Melissa Latham.

Grayslake North 53, Richmond-Burton 47: At Richmond-Burton, the Knights’ tournament-opening victory hiked their winning streak to seven games.

Grayslake North improved to 7-3.