Defense does it for Huntley
It's likely to become quite cliché if Huntley's postseason run continues, but the Red Raiders proved it again Thursday night.
Defense wins championships.
Playing possibly their best defensive half of the season to open Thursday's Kaneland Class 3A regional girls basketball championship game against Burlington Central, Huntley rolled out to a 22-2 lead and never looked back, downing the Rockets 50-27.
The top-seeded Red Raiders, who won their second straight regional title and third overall under ninth-year coach Steve Raethz,, move to 20-9 on the season and will take on either Rock Falls or Freeport, who play tonight at Rock Falls, in the 6 p.m. sectional semifinal Monday at Rochelle High School.
"I was really really pleased with our team defense tonight," said Raethz. "That was probably the best half of defense we've played all year. We did a real nice job of shutting down their main weapons.
And how. Second-seeded Burlington Central (19-11) was able to manage just 11 shots in the first half -- only 2 in the second quarter -- and committed 18 turnovers. The Rockets made only 2 field goals in the first 16 minutes and trailed 29-7 at halftime. Central shot just 9-for-30 for the game.
After Melanie Laird scored 16 seconds into the game, the Rockets didn't make another field goal until Laird's 6-footer with 4:58 left in the first half.
"Give Huntley all the credit," said BC coach Darlene Guyett. "They came at us early and they set the tone. I took us a little while to respond. They put us on our heels early and we got a little passive."
While Huntley's defense was its usual splendid self, senior standout Katie Bergquist set the offensive tone. Bergquist scored 10 of her 13 points -- including hitting two 3-pointers -- in the first quarter.
"I knew as long as we were bringing it on defense that would open up my offense," said Bergquist, who missed the last two games prior to regionals with a wrist injury.
"Defense wins games for us. Putting the pressure on and creating turnovers gets us points."
BC committed 26 turnovers for the game and Huntley took full advantage, scoring off 16 of them. The Red Raiders also owned a monstrous 37-21 rebounding advantage. Huntley also had 16 offensive boards, 5 from senior reserve Stephanie Aroworade.
Senior Shannon Callahan had 10 points for the Red Raiders, who also came up with nine 3-pointers and 13 steals, led by 4 each from senior Daisy Jara and junior Megan Martinez.
"These girls have worked hard all year to get to this point and it was nice to see them play the way they did tonight," said Raethz.
Senior Cory Bazany led the Rockets with 11 points while Laird, also a senior, added 9.
"To walk out with 19 wins … kudos to the kids," said Guyett. "We were coming off a record-setting season and we only had one starter returning. It's been a great season."