Splinter’s 26 sparks hot-shooting Prospect
Skylar Splinter was splendid. And so were her Prospect teammates.
Splinter scored 26 points to help Prospect stay alive in the MSL East race in a 69-31 win over Elk Grove Friday in Mt. Prospect.
Splinter drilled five 3-pointers, missing just once from outside the arc. The senior knocked down a pair in the opening minute on Prospect’s senior night to get things going for the Knights.
“We knew what we had to do and that was to take care of business,” said Splinter, who scored her first 20 points in the first 20 minutes of the game.
“I was able to knock down my first couple of shots and as soon as I get going, that is what it is for me.”
Splinter’s hot start fired up Prospect (18-10, 7-2).
“I said before the season that shooting is contagious,” Splinter said. “As soon as one of us hits a three, it just is lights out for the rest of us.”
Gina Falls had a three-pointer to ignite a 9-0 run for the Knights. Falls said she felt the momentum that was started by Splinter.
“I felt that spark,” said Falls, who would finish with eight points.
“Once Skylar hit a couple of threes, everyone started shooting like crazy. And it was contagious.”
Despite Prospect’s hot shooting, Elk Grove (6-20, 3-4) was able to stay close thanks to the Grenadiers’ equally hot shooting at the free-throw line in the first quarter. The Grens converted 10-of-12 from the line and trailed 23-14 after the first quarter.
Prospect blew the game wide open in the second quarter. They stayed away from fouls and limited Elk Grove to just one field goal in the period.
Splinter continued to lead the Knights on the offensive end along with sophomore Ali Link, who would finish with 9 points. Prospect opened the quarter with 13 consecutive points and outscored the Grens 18-2 in the period to put the game away with a 41-16 lead at the break.
“Splinter has been playing a high level of basketball,” Prospect coach Matt Weber said. “She puts in a lot of work. She does it on both sides of the court. She has said that shooting is contagious. And lately, she is has been providing that leadership on the court.”
Weber, who played 10 different players in the first half, began to more freely substitute in the second half. He was able to clear his bench in the final quarter when the game went to a running clock.
The Knights will have an extremely competitive week ahead next week. They host Maine South on Monday and host Hersey on Wednesday, with a share of the MSL East title on the line for Prospect.
“We have two big games next week,” Weber said. “We have a chance to be co-champs for the third year in a row and we are not going to waste that opportunity.”
Ten different players scored. Sadie Splinter, Riley Carroll and Zoe Black each chipped in five points for the Knights.
Elk Grove was led by Maggie Mayer, who had seven points, and Ella Duckman, who had five points.
“We knew it was senior night and they were going to come out, ” Elk Grove coach Courtney Lindfors said. “But we weren't anticipating them shooting the ball that well. They came out shooting lights out. They dug us into a hole right away. But I still loved our effort. It is out of this world.”