Dundee-Crown lines up a winner
Making free throws is an important ingredient to winning games at any level.
Just ask Dundee-Crown coach Michelle Russell.
Connecting on 13-of-16 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, D-C was able to post a 48-44 win over St. Charles North during the final day of the 29th Annual Charger Christmas Classic on Thursday morning.
The Chargers ended the tournament 2-2, which is the first time D-C has won 2 games in its own tournament since 2004.
"Our goal was to go 2-2 in our tournament and the girls did a great job," said Russell. "We work on free throws all the time in practice and we had the right kids at the line at the end of the game."
Ali Sanders, who ended the game with a game-high 21 points, was 11-of-11 from the line for the game and 8-of-8 in the fourth quarter. Sanders also dished off 4 assists with 5 rebounds. Carlin Faulkner, who missed 2 games because of a sore ankle, contributed 12 points including 6 in the final quarter. Faulkner, who was 3-of-4 from the line in the last eight minutes, also dished out 5 assists.
"We work on free throws every day in practice and we have to make 7 of 10 from the line after sprints before we leave practice," said Faulkner. "We know the importance of free throws and the focus you have to have. Our goal was to win 2 games and we won with tough defense."
Leading St. Charles North 30-29 going into the final quarter, D-C's lead evaporated quickly as Samantha Novak nailed a long 3-pointer to give the North Stars (5-11) a 32-30 lead with 7:28 left in the game.
But the Chargers (9-6), who had only 2 field goals in the fourth quarter, responded with A 5-0 run. Faulkner canned a trey and Sanders made 2 free throws as the Chargers took the lead for good at 35-32 with 4:55 remaining.
D-C's biggest lead of the game was 7, 47-40 with 48 seconds left after 2 free throws from Jordan Bartelt.
St. Charles North, which made 15 of 55 shots for 27 percent, was led by Natalie Winkates with 12 points.
"We are progressing as a team and we progressed as a team during the tournament," said St. Charles North coach Colleen Brennan. "We didn't make good decisions in the fourth quarter and we didn't value the ball very well."