Girls basketball notes: Buffalo Grove celebrates 25th anniversary of state championship team

Halftime of the Rolling Meadows girls basketball game at Buffalo Grove last Friday night brought back memories from 2000.

The Bison celebrated the 25th anniversary of their 2000 Class AA girls basketball state championship.

BG's roster was comprised of co-captain Piper Mead, Melissa “Pee Wee” (Counley) Russell, Allison Guth, Tiffany (Mah) Martin, Laura (Becker) Crost, co-captain Lindsey Hamma, Kristen Schaap, Patty (Vermiglio) Peterson, Kathleen (Nowicki) Barnish, Melissa “Mo” (Peterson) Coyne and Kendra (Ryl) Hutchinson.

And the man behind it all, hall of fame coach Tom Dineen, was honored during halftime as Buffalo Grove principal Jeff Wardle and athletic director Matt Myers put together a memorable evening. Buffalo Grove beat Chicago powerhouse Washington 60-51 in overtime to win the title.

“It was was truly amazing," Vermiglio said. "What better way to celebrate the anniversary of winning state than with everyone who came along for the original ride. A huge thank you to Buffalo Grove High School for going above and beyond in honoring us.”

Mah captured the overall feeling of the night when asked about the team.

“Our 2000 team is just special," she said. "We were teammates turned best friends turned family who just loved the game, enjoyed being with each other both on and off the court, worked our tails off day in and day out, fought through adversity, did all the little things, went straight through powerhouse programs and star players, embraced our individual roles, played for each other, and just epitomized what it meant to be a team.”

Hamma, now the varsity softball coach at Hoffman Estates, emphasized the camaraderie.

“What we’ve come to recognize as truly special about our team was not just the victory but the relationships formed along the way," Hamma said. "The fact that we have stayed so connected and grown closer through all the years, miles, and major life milestones is what it is actually all about. Being back out on the court where it all began together is a moment we’ll all cherish forever.”

The final surprise of the night came when Myers announced that the Bison Classic Thanksgiving tournament, which Dineen started in 1983, was being renamed the Tom Dineen Bison Classic.

According to the IHSA website, Dineen ranks as the No. 4 winningest coach in state history with 810 wins, which he recorded from 1980 to 2008 at Buffalo Grove and from 2009 to 2015 at Stevenson.

The only coaches with more wins are Dorothy Gaters (1,133 at Marshall), Dave Powers (1,020 at Proviso West, Immaculate Heart of Mary and Fenwick) and Evan Massey (992 at Galesburg).

"The 25th celebration was really awesome," Dineen said. "Matt Myers, the school, Piper (Mead) and Patty (Vermiglio-Peterson) really did a great job. With all the parents, players, friends, players and coaches, it was really special. Then they really surprised me with the (renaming of) Thanksgiving tournament. I didn’t know what to say. It was a tremendous honor."

Super Sadie: Prospect senior Sadi Splinter continues to help spark the Mid-Suburban League East leaders.

The senior captain is averaging 8.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game

"Sadie sets the tone for our team and is our vocal leader," said Prospect coach Matt Weber. "She is also attending Palm Beach Atlantic University on a lacrosse scholarship.

"She does all the dirty work for our team and is usually matched up with the other team's best player, has to defend multiple positions, and is usually under-sized, but is one of the strongest players on the team and loves the weight room."

Lions 3 wins from 20: St. Viator (17-8) got to win No. 17 with a 54-34 win over Joliet Catholic in the East Suburban Catholic Conference.

Freshman Ava Garcia popped in a career-high of 26 points along with 3 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.

Sophomore Bella Gounaris added 8 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists while junior Emily Walberg chipped in 5 points, 6 rebounds and an assist.

Moving forward: Despite battling a number of injuries, Wheeling continues to move forward.

The Wildcats have two starters out for the season (Ellie Vito and Madison O'Rourke with foot injuries) as well as another battling the onset of shin splints and limiting time.

"Nonetheless, the team has kept their heads held high," said Wildcats former standout and coach Kelie Brasse. "They continue to give their best effort and fight during each game."

Doing it all: Maine West 5-foot-9 junior guard Kaitlyn Nutley leads the Warriors in every category — points, rebounds, steals, assists and blocks.

She had 21 points on Friday night to help the Warriors top Niles North, 50-23.