Wheeling stays on a roll with another Missouri win

Wheeling's girls basketball team improved to 15-2 on Tuesday night, and 2-0 out of state.

For the second straight day, the Wildcats notched a win in the Springfield, Mo., tourney with a 69-47 triumph in the semifinals over Lexington Catholic, a program which won state titles in Kentucky 1999, 2001, 2005 and 2006.

"We started out a little sluggish and led by just 2 at the end of the first quarter," said Wildcats coach Shelly Wiegel. "In the second quarter, we turned up the defensive pressure."

The two-time defending Mid-Suburban League champs led 43-21 at the half.

Wheeling senior guard Selma Smajlovic had a pair of 3-pointers off the bench in the second quarter. "She provided a nice spark," Wiegel said.

The lead was extended to 30 points in the third quarter as senior guards Stephanie Kuzmanic and Janelle Cannon delivering the ball to open players.

Bianca Szafarowicz led Wheeling in scoring with 17 points while Cannon added 16 points with 5 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 assists.

Kuzmanic scored 10 points while dishing out 9 assists and grabbing 7 rebounds.

"We came out a little flat but responded well and played at a high level after a slow start,' Wiegel added. "The bench provided good energy when we needed it and the second and third quarters were very impressive for us. We had nine different people score and all 15 kids played hard.

"We are ready for the championship game against Kickapoo High School (11-0), and we know we have to bring our best effort."

The title game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. tip-off today.

Buffalo Grove 56, Maine West 29: Senior guard Heather Nisbet scored a season-high 17 points as Buffalo Grove improved to 6-8 with its second straight win at the Dundee-Crown Charger Classic.

Nisbet had five 3-pointers, four in the third quarter when BG outscored the Warriors 14-4.

The Bison allowed only 1 point in the second quarter, a free throw by Sam Acosta.

"Our defense really stepped up in the second and third quarters," said Buffalo Grove coach Pat Dudle. "And Heather Nisbet shot lights out."

KC Dunne scored all 10 of her points for BG in the first half while teammate Andrea DiPrima added 8 points, including a pair of 3-pointers.

DiPrima led BG with 5 rebounds, followed by Emily Georgoulis (4) and Bailey North 2.

Maine West (6-10) was led by senior Megan O'Neill's 11 points.