Wheeling claims emphatic victory in Missouri
Wheeling's girls basketball team opened the Springfield, Mo. tournament with a 59-32 victory over defending Missouri state champion Nixa High School on Monday.
Nixa, a member of the Missouri's largest class division, suffered its first loss in 10 games.
With pressure defense, the Wildcats (14-2) jumped to an early lead and led 21-8 after one quarter.
Nixa has two college-bound players - Emily Walker (Drury University) and Bethany Funderbunk (College of the Ozarks). They were held to 6 and 13 points, respectively.
"It was a great all-around effort from all of the kids," said Wheeling coach Shelly Wiegel, whose team recently won its third straight Christmas tourney at Warren.
Minnesota-bound Janelle Cannon, who was tightly guarded the entire game, still managed 19 points, 2 assists, 5 steals and 4 rebounds.
Stephanie Kuzmanic (16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist), Bianca Szafarowicz (13 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals) and Kellie Kuzmanic (11 rebounds, 5 points) were other leaders for Wheeling.
The Wildcats play Lexington Catholic (Kentucky) at 7 p.m. today.
The tournament has teams from Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, and Illinois.
"I was happy with the team effort we put forth," Wiegel added. "After a nearly 12-hour bus ride through snow and wind on Sunday, the kids showed great energy and enthusiasm in their first game. We are excited about the tournament and the high level of talent and competition we are facing."
Barrington 44, Lake Zurich 32: Barrington improved to 9-6 on the closing day of the Suburban Holiday Showcase at Trinity High School.
Coach Babbi Barreiro's Fillies were led by junior Abby Kirchoff's 14 points while classmate Shelby Whigham added 12.
Sam Maasarani and Nicole Collins each had 3-pointers for the Fillies.
Buffalo Grove 57, Resurrection 49: Freshman forward Bailey North scored a career-high 19 points to help lead the Bison (5-8) in the consolation bracket of the Dundee-Crown Charger Classic.
The 6-foot Bailey, who scored 12 points in the first half, pulled down 4 rebounds.
"Our freshman really stepped up," said Bison veteran guard Heather Nisbet, who tossed in 10 points with 2 steals and 2 assists. "Bailey had 19 points. She was unbelievable."
Senior forward Stacy Lialios also added 10 points for BG while juniors KC Dunne had 8 and Andrea DiPrima 7.
The Bison were 18-of-31 at the free throw line.
"Obviously, we need to work on our free throws," Nisbet added. "But everyone did a great job being strong with the basketball."
BG faces Maine West (6-9) today at 12:30 p.m. in the consolation semifinals.
"This is a huge tournament," Nisbet added. "We didn't come out the way we wanted on Saturday (loss to Bartlett). We really wanted to come back (Monday) and get this win."
Maine West 62, Regina 34: Senior guard Sam Acosta connected for 5 3-pointers and a pair of free throws for a game-high 17 points as the Warriors improved to 6-9 and 1-1 in the Dundee-Crown Charger Classic.
Acosta also had 3 assists as Hall of Fame Maine West coach Derril Kipp moved to within 4 games of 700 for his career.
Senior Megan O'Neill added 15 points and 3 rebounds while classmate Ellen Coogan pulled down 4 rebounds.
West will face Buffalo Grove (5-8) at 3:30 p.m. today in the consolation semifinals.