CLS sends Lakes to record-setting loss

Finally, Elizabeth Hinkle was able to smile.

After briefly breaking down her team's shortcomings in its state record-breaking loss to Crystal Lake South at Richmond-Burton Saturday, Lakes' first-year girls basketball coach stopped sucking on a lozenge to offer some sun-will-rise-tomorrow perspective.

"We're good," she said.

Hinkle then smiled and added, "And we're looking forward to a merry Christmas."

Lakes' loss was its 73rd in a row. Rockford Auburn had previously held the state record for futility with 72 straight defeats.

The win gave Crystal Lake South (10-5) the tournament championship over Burlington Central in a points allowed tiebreaker.

Matching Burlington Central at 4-1 in their respective pools, the Gators won via the tiebreaker, allowing 33.5 points per game to etch out the Rockets, who allowed 35 points per game for the title.

The Eagles spotted CL South an 11-0 lead, trailed 13-2 after one quarter and 17-6 at halftime.

Samantha Steffen and Katie LaTour each had 6 points for Lakes (0-17), which played the second Saturday in a row without starter Mandy Schellinger because of a family commitment, Hinkle said.

The Gators didn't have a double-digit scorer, either, as Carly Juliano led them with 9 points, including a 3-pointer. Michelle Gaede had 8 points and 6 rebounds.

At Woodstock/R-B

Burlington Central 40, Richmond-Burton 38: With key contributions up and down the lineup, Burlington Central (10-4) downed Richmond-Burton while earning second place honors at the Woodstock/ Richmond-Burton Holiday Tournament. Going 4-1 overall in tourney action, the Rockets finished second behind tournament champion Crystal Lake South when tiebreaker rules gave the Gators the title.

South allowed an average of 33.5 points per game versus Burlington's 35 ppg. average.

Leading offensive efforts for the Rockets Saturday were Cory Bazany (13 points), Taylor Colby (10 points) and Jordan Maisto (9 points).

"We made a lot of defensive stops today," said Rockets coach Darlene Guyett. "The girls forced at least 25 turnovers, and allowed just five attempts during the second quarter holding Richmond to just two third quarter points.

"I'm really happy with the week and how our girls did. I've seen excellent progress and this group has made great strides."

At Mundelein

Huntley 44, Vernon Hills 30: The Red Raiders (7-3) defeated Vernon Hills in the first round of pool play at the Mundelein tournament. Katie Bergquist led Huntley with 13 points, 3 assists and 5 steals. Shannon Callahan contibuted 12 points and 6 steals.

Grant 51, Prairie Ridge 40: Prairie Ridge (4-7) could not overcome double-digit scoring from three Grant players as the Wolves fell to Grant at the Mundelein tournament. Shannon Hennelly led the Wolves' scoring efforts with 11 points, and Jessie Kulovsek added 8 points.

Cary-Grove 54, Glenbrook North 40: Taking a 25-17 lead into the second half, Cary-Grove (7-2) never looked back in this Mundelein tournament win. Jamie Kuhl led the Trojan offense with 14 points. Jill Cole recorded 10 points, and Liz Bart added 8 points.

Mundelein 74, Streamwood 39: Krissy Kunavich led Streamwood (1-11) with 12 points in this Mundelein tournament loss.

Other games

Hampshire 51, Rockford Lutheran 40: Former Rockford Lutheran star and current Chicago Sky player Stephanie Raymond was honored at the school Saturday. The Crusaders could have used a few points from their former star as Hampshire defeated Lutheran, 51-40 in a Big Northern crossover.

Cassie Dumoulin scored 14 points and sister Alex Dumoulin added 12 as the Whip-Purs broke open a close game in the second half.

Alex Dumoulin scored 6 points and Mallory Koster scored 5 of her 7 points as the Whips outscored Lutheran 15-6 in the third quarter to erase a 1-point halftime deficit and take control.

"We realized that we weren't playing to our potential," said Cassie Dumoulin. "It seemed like we really wanted (this game) and this is a great team win going into the holidays."

Hampshire had had some ball-control issues during a recent rough stretch, but the Whips committed just 3 second-half turnovers as they adjusted to the Crusaders' quick tempo. An offensive adjustment helped.

"We ran something the kids hadn't run since they were sophomores," said Hampshire coach Sue Ellett.

"But we knew it would work, and they came out and did it. And I thought our defense was spectacular tonight."

Ellett noted that varsity veterans Chrissie Heine and Kelly Plichta helped keep the team on an even keel.

"Heine kept us calm and kept everybody in, and Kelly's doing a nice job handling the ball," said Ellett.

Alex Dumoulin also grabbed 12 rebounds as Hampshire out-rebounded the hosts, 45-22. Cassie Dumoulin had 8 boards. Kelsey Watson had 7 rebounds and 6 points off the bench.

Dawn Martin and Laura Rushing scored 13 points apiece for Lutheran.

Trailing 25-24, Hampshire scored 9 straight points to take the lead for good. Alex Dumoulin scored twice sandwiched around 5 points by Koster.

-- Allen Oshinski

Komaromy to be honored: Dundee-Crown will honor girls basketball coach Joe Komaromy on Dec. 29 at the Charger Classic.

Not only has Komaromy been the heart of the tournament for its entire 25 years, but the D-C legend will retire from teaching this school year. The school will pay special tribute to Komaromy at 6 p.m. on the last day of the upcoming tournament.

Additionally, the District 300 School Board will recognize Komaromy during the 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008, board meeting at Dundee-Crown.

"Coach Komaromy deserves all of the credit for what has become the best thing that Dundee-Crown athletics are known for," said current D-C athletic director Dick Storm. "Anyone involved in girls basketball knows about this tournament. Each year, we have over 60 colleges send coaches to watch players here."

Hoffman wins McHenry: Megan Fischer was named MVP as Hoffman Estates won twice Saturday to complete the McHenry tournament with a 5-0 record to earn the outright championship. The Hawks (12-5) also won their Thanksgiving tournament at Elk Grove.

Fischer scored a game-high 17 points in Hoffman Estates' 64-31 win over Marian Catholic in an afternoon game. Jada Stotts, who also made first team all-tournament, scored 10 points for Hoffman, which shut out Marian in the final quarter.

Later in the afternoon, Hoffman Estates topped Rockford Jefferson 66-43 behind 20 points from Fischer.

Conant 49, Belvidere 20: Michelle Rawleigh scored a game-high 20 points, single-handedly equaling Belvidere's scoring output in tournament play at Mundelein.

The Cougars (12-0) also got 10 points from Ariana Zades.

Conant held Belvidere to 9 points over the final three quarters.

Hinsdale S. 47, St. Viator 40:ŒJenny Muench led St. Viator with 11 points but the Lions were outscored 17-3 at the foul line and dropped a nonconference game to Hinsdale South.

Schaumburg 53, Johnsburg 41: The Saxons' long drive was worth it as they earned a nonconference victory behind a game-high 18 points from Kylie Castans, who canned four 3-pointers.

Gabrielle Blackwell finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds and Drewann Pancratz contributed 12 points as Schaumburg remained unbeaten and improved to 13-0.