Grayslake Central can't keep pace with BG

Grayslake Central was led by Meghan LeBaron (10 points) and Katelyn Putkonen (9) in its season-opener at the Buffalo Grove Bison Classic held at Barrington High School, where BG came away with a 55-35 victory.

"I thought Erin Claxton (3 points) did a nice job inside," said Grayslake Central coach Roger Lass. "Meghan LeBaron took the ball to the basket well and Katelyn Putkonen and Allison Metzger hit some key outside shots."

"We missed some opportunities but Buffalo Grove is a great team. When you have 6-foot girls who can hit 3s and defend like them, it's tough."

After falling behind 17-3, the Rams pulled to within 26-15 late in the first half but never got closer.

"They made some spurts on us in the first and second halves that cost us 6 to 8 points both times," added the first-year coach. "It would have been nice to have had a game under our belt but it kind of looked like a first game for both teams.

"We had some opportunities for layups but we didn't make them. I thought we played well defensively."

BG standouts Allison and twin sister Maggie Mocchi were celebrating their 18th birthdays.

"I was super excited today," said Alison, whose bruised upper arm was the result of some hard-nosed play in practice. "People thought it was because it was our birthday but it was really because it was out first game."

"Great birthday present," said Maggie Mocchi (15 points). "It makes our birthday ten times better."

Ellen Ayoub scored a game-high 18 points, 16 in the second half

Nisbet chipped in 13 points, sporting jersey No. 14 formerly worn by four-time all-area selection Rachel Buchel, who graduated last year.

"Fourteen was always my favorite number," Nisbet said with a smile. "But I knew I wasn't going to be able to have it last year."