Choosy Aurora Christian drops Wheaton Academy
The Aurora Christian girls basketball team found out Monday night at Wheaton Academy that being choosy on shots has its advantages.
The Eagles took any shot that came their way during the first quarter of their 45-37 Suburban Christian Conference victory and finished 2 of 16 from the field during the game’s first eight minutes.
But they became like someone at a buffet, choosing only the shots they wanted on their plated. The team shot 6 of 10 during the second quarter, outscoring the Warriors 17-7 en route to a 23-16 halftime advantage.
“They started with a box-and-one defense. I think we managed it and it’s not a defense that you can go the whole game with,” said Aurora Christian coach Jerry Tokars. “I think we panicked a little in the first quarter and we had to learn it’s not about taking the most shots, but what kind of shots you take.”
The Eagles (6-4, 2-2) took control of the game in the second quarter with the help of junior Melissa Moser, who scored 8 of her game-high 15 points during that span.
“We know she’s capable of that,” Tokars said of Moser. “She was key. She ran the floor and was finishing.”
Alyssa Andersen followed for Aurora Christian with 13 points. Sophomore Natasha Brown had 19 rebounds.
“She averages 14, 15 per game. She’s uncanny,” Tokars said of Brown.
The Warriors (1-9, 0-4) were led by Abby Olson’s 11 points. Fellow junior Charrissa Robinson had 9 and played and played a key role in preventing Aurora Christian from putting the finishing touches on this one until very late.
The Eagles enjoyed an 8- to 12-point lead for most of the second half. However, the Warriors ran their offense better during the second half and were just outscored by Aurora Christian 22-21 during the final 16 minutes.
With 1:45 left in the game, Robinson was fouled on a 3-point attempt and sank all three free throws to cut the Eagles’ lead to 40-35. Aurora Christian spent the rest of the game at the free-throw line, but their advantage stayed at single digits the rest of the game.