Wheeling proves too tough for Neuqua Valley
On a bitterly cold Monday night that was good for sitting home and sipping cocoa, the Neuqua Valley girls basketball team hosted Wheeling, the second-ranked team in the state.
The visiting Wildcats, led by all-stater Ashley Wilson's 21 points, 6 steals, 9 rebounds and 2 blocked shots, took care of the host Wildcats 67-45 in the nonconference contest.
"Our goal is to just come out and dominate," said Wilson, who was 11-for-12 from the free-throw line and also stepped out and hit a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. "Don't let them think they can play with us."
Wheeling (11-0), a contender for the Illinois state title, built a 20-9 lead over Neuqua in the first quarter. Neuqua was missing starting center McKenzie Hughes, who like Wilson, stands over 6 feet.
To take over in the middle, Neuqua coach Mike Williams called up two freshmen - Rachael Ross and Danielle Stanciel - to the varsity before last week's game against St. Charles North. Guarding a player of Wilson's strength and skills was a tall order for the newcomers.
"I don't know that McKenzie would have made a difference in this game, but, we're a better team with her in the lineup," Williams said. "Our freshmen have really gone to school early, playing against Kelsey Smith last week and then tonight against Wilson."
Wheeling coach Shelly Wiegel was pleased with her team's performance and talked about Wilson's effect on the game.
"Our team is moving the ball so well," Wiegel said. "We have a lot of possessions where the ball doesn't even touch the floor. Ashley is amazing. The steals, the blocks, the rebounds, the points are great. But she does so many other things. She makes people adjust their shots and adjust their defense. They try to game-plan around her and she still finds ways to do all those great things for us."
Bianca Szafarowicz scored 19 for the Wildcats, and Janelle Cannon added 16.
"Neuqua is a fast team and they can shoot the three," Wiegel said. "We tried to neutralize them so they never got any momentum."
Wheeling built the lead to 40-19 at halftime and maintained the margin in the second half as Neuqua (5-5) lost some its early jitters and played more aggressively and more effectively.
Danielle Davis and Becky Williford led Neuqua with 10 points apiece.
"This was a great game for us going into the Christmas schedule," Williams said. "When we get McKenzie back we'll be stronger. We have a tough schedule, but we like it that way. Davis did a great job for us tonight as did freshmen Williford and Erica Jordan. They never gave up."