Naperville C. alive and well after topping Naperville N.

For Naperville Central it was a case of "Stayin' Alive" in the DuPage Valley Conference race.

The Redhawks, who went in to Monday's game against archrival and host Naperville North tied for second place in the DVC, quickly took charge with a 19-5 first quarter and went on to beat their cross-town rival 64-51.

Naperville Central was led by Emma Donahue's 20 points and 11 rebounds but all five starters finished in double figures for the first time this year.

"That kind of balance was a big accomplishment or us," said Donahue. "But the most important thing was we stayed close in the conference race. We kind of lost a big chance Saturday when we lost to Wheaton Warrenville South, and we had to make it up. This was a big game."

The Redhawks and the Tigers are tied for second place in the conference.

"Wheaton North has only one loss and we only play them one more time," said Naperville Central coach Andy Nussbaum. "We have no margin for error. "

Emma Ondik and Erin Antony each scored 12 for the Redhawks, while Claire Fleming and Jill D'Amico chipped in 10 apiece. Fleming just missed a double-double with 9 rebounds.

D'Amico, who recently joined the starting lineup when Catherine Tanck's season was ended by an ACL injury, was particularly effective on Monday, as she assisted on four of Donahue's baskets.

"Donahue was outstanding," said Nussbaum. "But you can't say that without giving Jill some credit for those nice assists by drawing the defenders to her and then providing great passes. And then Emma did a good job of putting the ball in the basket. We tell her to expect a pass any time Jill is dribbling."

"I've been starting for about 10 games," said D'Amico. "I was a little nervous at the beginning but now I'm playing most of the game and I'm more comfortable. I always know where Donahue is going to be."

After their discouraging first quarter, the Huskies (4-17, 3-6) played the Redhawks (19-4, 8-2) tough, but couldn't get the deficit down to single digits.

"We were quiet in the first quarter," said Naperville North coach Jackie Discipio. "We lacked intensity, they jumped out to a 10-0 lead and we couldn't get our bearings. Donahue was rock-solid. Central is strong and they know how to win."

Zoe Swift led the Huskies with 15 points including a trio of 3-pointers.

"We're still trying to learn how to compete for four quarters," Discipio said. "Last week it was the last quarter that hurt us. This time it was the first."

Wheaton Academy 59, St. Edward 39: Alexa Sharkey scored 16 points and Sydney Sharkey 14 for the Warriors (15-5), who rolled out to a 24-6 lead after a quarter in West Chicago.

Meghan Grant added 9 points for Wheaton Academy.

Lisle 39, Elmwood Park 33: The Lions (15-7) jumped out to a 22-3 lead after a quarter in Elmwood Park and never looked back.