Big comeback buoys Barrington
Barrington's girls basketball team faced a 14-point deficit against Grayslake Central heading into the final quarter of the Rams' own Class 4A regional quarterfinal on Monday night.
Barrington coach Babbi Barreiro has said all season her No. 14-seeded Fillies will not quit.
In true form, they rallied back for a 44-42 triumph, outscoring the No. 17 Rams 24-8 in the final period.
The 24 points were more than the Fillies had scored in the first three quarters combined.
"I was so proud of the girls for not giving up, and believing in their ability to come back," Barreiro said. "We only played well in that one quarter so we were lucky to win. But I am very proud of the team, top to bottom."
Juniors Abigail Elo and Auri Grayson each had 12 points to lead the Fillies (11-17) while classmate Kelly Katis chipped in 6 points with 5 steals and 4 assists.
Junior Megan Talbot collected 7 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.
"We came out very flat, we were just out of sync," Barreiro said. "Luckily we hung around and then came out like gangbusters in the fourth quarter. "
Grayson also had 4 rebounds (3 on offense) and 2 steals.
"I thought Auri played her best game for us." Barreiro said. "And Abigail hit two huge 3-pointers in fourth quarter that we could not have won without.
"I thought we executed very well in the fourth quarter and played very good defense, creating a lot of turnovers."
The Fillies will meet No. 3 seed Hersey (21-6) at 6 p.m. today in the semifinals.
"It's a fun time of the year to be playing," Barreiro added. "The kids just have to believe anything can happen and go out and play their best. They have to leave it all on the court."
Hoffman Estates 51, Willowbrook 35: With Mynk Richardson-Clerk probably producing the best overall game of her career, the No. 18 Hawks (6-20) advanced from Monday's quarterfinals into Tuesday's Class 4A Wheaton North regional semifinal against No. 3 Duke at 6 p.m.
Richardson-Clerk not only scored a game-high 15 points, but the 5-foot-6 junior also pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds.
Classmate Erin Hanson chipped in 14 points with 3 rebounds and 2 assists.
"Overall, it was probably the best game Mynk has played," said Mike Koester, who won a regional game in his first year as Hoffman Estates' coach. "She and Erin Hanson played outstanding for us."
Junior Jennifer Nailor chipped in 9 points for the Hawks while sophomore Monraia Wilson and senior Mary Saitta each had 5.
Saitta, freshman Tayler Williams and Hanson each had a 3-pointer for the winners.
"We played really well together as a team," Koester said. "You can only take it one game at a time now."