Grant takes no prisoners

Heading into Thursday night's nonconference matchup 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-to-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 Bulldogs 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 with 14 first-half rebounds apiece.

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 with a game-high 20 points.

"Tonight was a great night for the team," Swanson said. "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. She 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 drive past all five Bulldogs defenders for a layup that 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."