Downers Grove North defeats Willowbrook in WSC championship game

The Downers Grove North girls basketball team claimed the West Suburban Conference championship with a 59-46 win over the Willowbrook Warriors on Wednesday at Downers Grove North.

The Trojans (23-2, 13-0) had four players score in double digits, including sophomore standout Jaida Green, who ended the game with a game-high 16 points.

"We started out kind of slow and I was a little nervous at first, but then I realized we had it in the bag," Green said. "We just had to work hard and do what we do best and we started knocking down shots. It was a lot of fun."

With the game tied 10-10 after the first quarter, the Trojans had outscored the Warriors 19-9 in the second quarter and finished the first half up 29-19.

While Green was shaking off a knee bruise it was sophomore guard Lauren Porcelli who helped change the momentum for Downers Grove North. Porcelli found most of her success driving to the basket, scoring 9 points in the first half, seven of which came from the free-throw line.

"They pressure you a lot," said Trojans coach Stephan Bolt. "I think in the first quarter they gave us a little trouble and as the game went on we got more comfortable and got some good looks and stuff like that… . These kids they don't really care who scored the basketball, they want to share the basketball and give each other good looks."

In the second half the Warriors (22-4, 10-1) continued to struggle in the shooting department, as the Trojans had the better of the offensive play.

Willowbrook senior Molly Krawczykowski stood out for the Warriors thanks to her ability to drive to the basket and make shots for herself. The senior was the only player in double digits for her team, ending the night with 15 points.

With playoff games in the back of the two coaches' minds, the benches started to empty and the final whistle blew with the Trojans taking the conference title.

"I know he kind of pulled back a little bit and I pulled back a little bit and his pull back was better than mine," said Warriors coach Terry Harrell. "We have to be ready for the playoffs and we accomplished our goal this season. We won our side of the conference and we were undefeated and so our next goal is to get (a regional title). So that's what we're focused on, a region."

Porcelli ended with 13 points, senior Sarah Costello also had 13 points on the night while Senior Colleen Honn finished with 10 points of her own for Downers Grove North.