Geneva running in fast lane
After coming to Geneva last month and leaving with a 79-71 victory in as high of scoring basketball game — girls or boys — as the area has seen this season, Fenwick's Hall of Fame coach Dave Power left quite complimentary of the Vikings.
And Power made his plug for what would be the most revolutionary change to the high school basketball since the 3-point shot.
“Sometimes purists say defense is a little lax but we don't care,” Power said. “Just go. When the shot clock comes into Illinois which it will, Geneva, ourselves and some other teams are ahead of the curve. Because the slowdown working your perfect 20 passes for a basket is not going to fly with a shot clock.”
Power also said he hopes the series with Geneva continues. The Vikings traveled to Oak Park last year and while they are now 0-2 against the Friars they certainly are enjoying playing a traditionally strong program to help prepare for the postseason.
“It's a little travel for either team but it's a fun game,” Power said. “Very entertaining for fans. For coaches it's a lot of heart palpitations.”
Geneva heads into the final week of its regular season at 22-4. The Vikings will host either Bartlett or Waubonsie Valley for the Upstate Eight Conference championship Friday night pitting the winners of the two divisions.
Geneva won the River title with a perfect 12-0 record. Bartlett and Waubonsie Valley will tie at 11-1 for the Valley championship if the Warriors beat Neuqua Valley on Tuesday.
In that scenario, Bartlett and Waubonsie will have a coin flip to see who plays Geneva. If it's Bartlett, it will be a possible preview of the Hoffman Estates sectional championship game where the teams are seeded 1 and 2.
The Vikings are 6-1 since losing Marquette-bound senior Ashley Santos to an ACL injury. Geneva players said at the time of the injury it would take everyone stepping up their play to make up for Santos and for the most part that's what's been happening.
“We're not going to replace Ashley,” Geneva coach Sarah Meadows said. “She is not replaceable. But we are a good team. They play really well together and they want to win so bad and they are going to work so hard. I thought they would rally and be right there. The kids have to understand they all have to step up and they do.”
Sophomore guard Michaela Loebel is getting it done on a big way at both ends, backing up a 9-steal game Tuesday against St. Charles North with 17 points Friday against Batavia.
Sami Pawlak has been strong all season. In addition to her 11.8 points a game, she leads the area in rebounding at 9.6 a game.
“As we get against the better teams she (Pawlak) has to use shot fake a little more,” Meadows said. “But it's really good to see her going so strong. She can play with any big kid. She's not scared of anybody. It's really good to see her bang and play so hard.”
Geneva added freshman Abby Novak to the mix five games ago, “an athletic kid,” said Meadows who will help at the 3 and 4 spots.
Rookie ramblings: The rest of the Upstate Eight teams also are playing crossover games this week in addition to the title matchup Friday at Geneva.The slate of games include Batavia hosting South Elgin. Batavia coach Kevin Jensen has had his share of bad luck with injuries, but had nothing but good things to say about his first year as varsity coach.#8220;I love it,#8221; Jensen said. #8220;There's nothing else I'd rather be doing. I walked into a good opportunity. We have solid seniors, we have good young talent, we have girls who love playing basketball. It has made my life enjoyable.#8221;As a sign of that young talent, which includes sophomore guard Liza Fruendt who through last week's games held a slight lead over St. Charles East junior Paige Jordan for the area's scoring lead, Batavia was recently invited to be part of the Montini Christmas Tournament next year.Batavia will still play at the Oswego Holiday Tournament before Christmas but will also go to Montini afterward against what promises to be an elite field.#8220;We'll see what we can do,#8221; Jensen said. #8220;I just view it as a compliment. They think we'll be a good solid team the next few years.#8221;Other UEC crossovers Thursday include Metea Valley at St. Charles North and Neuqua Valley at St. Charles East.It's 2A time: While the area 3A and 4A teams have one week of regular season basketball left, Aurora Christian and Aurora Central get started with postseason play this week.The Chargers (20-6) and Eagles (11-15) are the top two seeds respectively at the Plano regional.It's been a record-breaking season for the Chargers who followed up their historic 3A regional championship last year with an ACC record for wins and now a chance for a long run in the 2A tourney.Led by the second-leading scorer in school history Jackie Cardona at 13 points, 5 rebounds and nearly 4 assists a game, plus two more three-year starters Katilyn Rosa and Ashley Wilk, Kaneland transfer Tess Alderman and Aurora Christian transfer Lisa Rodriguez, the Chargers certainly don't lack for firepower.But coach Mark Fitzgerald isn't taking anything for granted. With Aurora Christian, he's concerned by Mackenzie Bollinger #8220;a very good spot up shooter,#8221; Alyssa Henzel and her #8220;good post moves#8221; and Alyssa Andersen #8220;an excellent slasher.#8221;Fitzgerald also has his eye on the three-seed Joliet Catholic who has quick guards and a pair of senior posts and plays a tough schedule against Marian Catholic and Benet, according to the Chargers coach.