Grant makes easy work of Maroons

Heading into Thursday night's nonconference match-up against Elgin, the Grant girls basketball team didn't know what to expect.

With 4:35 left to play in the first quarter at Chesbrough Field House in Elgin, a full-court press gave the Bulldogs answers, helping them to a 22-2 run spread through two quarters.

In the end, Grant walked away with a 63-16 victory.

An even combination of turnovers and missed opportunities from Elgin led to the Bulldog run which included scoring from C.J. Hill, Heather Ruetsch, Bailey Wagner, Jamie Swanson and Tori Ziegler.

The Bulldogs took a 37-9 lead into the second half capitalizing on 10 steals. Both teams were effective on the boards matching one another with 14 first-half rebounds.

However, offensive efforts were the difference.

"We played well," said Grant coach Tom Oeffling. "Our defense limited Elgin's second chances, and offensively we ran the 4-3 extremely well."

With 14 first-half points, Swanson outscored the Elgin roster single-handedly finishing the game leading all scorers with 20 points.

"Tonight was a great night for the team," said Swanson. "Our coaches have helped me out a lot reminding me to shoot more. If I'm open, I take the shot."

And shoot she did.

Swanson recorded 8 first-quarter points, including two from behind the arc and matched herself in the second and third quarters with 6 points respectively to go along with 5 rebounds and 5 steals.

"Swanson shot well," said Oeffling. "We can always count on her to lead our attack."

Defensively, the Bulldogs held Elgin (0-10) to just 2 second-quarter points which came via a Kayla Jackson breakaway off a steal.

While Grant contained Elgin's leading scorer Ellen Holton to just 3 points (all in the first quarter), Holton did tally 7 rebounds and 4 steals.

"We were outmatched," said Maroons coach Angie Hudson. "Height was a definite disadvantage."

Junior guard Caris Alan led the Elgin offense with 7 points, including a remarkable drive past all five Bulldog defenders for a beautiful lay-up which left Alan on the ground.

Behind Swanson, the Bulldogs presented a balanced offensive attack with additional scoring from Ruetsche (8 points, 4 steals), Gina Cellucci (8 points, 6 rebounds), Autumn Gaylor (8 points, 5 rebounds) and Brittani Schisler (6 points, 2 rebounds).

"We have a good group of seniors here," Oeffling said. "We have been shooting over 60 percent consistently all season."

With just 7 second-half points, Elgin did create chances but was unable to convert.

"I would like to see us be a bit more competitive next time out," said Hudson. "We need to pick up the intensity and play harder."

Elgin Academy 46, IMSA 38: Elgin Academy (4-7) defeated IMSA in a nonconference game. Bianca Swegler led the way for Elgin Academy with 14 points. Lauren Stiemle had 9 points and Allison Clark had 7 points. For the Hilltoppers.