Hampshire set to meet Freeport again

There may be a feeling of déjà vu at Monday's second semifinal of the Class 3A DeKalb girls basketball sectional, but it's only because the school names are the same as last year.

Seventh-ranked Hampshire (28-1) takes on Freeport (11-19) in a rematch of a sectional semifinal won by Freeport, 54-47, last year at Marengo.

But both teams are different from they were a year ago, especially Freeport. Gone from the Pretzels, who finished second at state the last two years, are four 1,000-point scorers and head coach Ryan Pierce, who stepped down after seven years to spend more time with his family.

But even though the likes of Katie Norman, Suporia Dickens, Kelsey Hoefer and Courtney Shiffer are now in college, the Pretzels are back in the sectional for the 21st time in program history.

"Right now they're 2-0 and so are we," said Hampshire coach Sue Ellett. "They have their point guard back and she's been in two state finals so we'll see what we can do about neutralizing their leader."

That point guard would be senior Caitlin Greene, who scored 15 points in leading Freeport, now coached by longtime assistant Jennifer Slaght, to a 53-41 win over Marengo to win the Freeport regional.

But after Greene, the Pretzels are young and trying to come of age at the right time. Freshman posts Bryn Buckwalter and Ashley Alexander have improved as the season's gone on and senior Allie Boeck has helped Greene provide upper class leadership.

Freeport upset No. 1 seed Belvidere North in regional play, but Ellett is confident her team can take the next step and reach a sectional final for the first time since the Whip-Purs finished second in Class in 2004.

"We've played really well this year and we have a great opportunity Monday night," said Ellett, who won her 150th career game in seven seasons when the Whips dismantled DeKalb 57-29 to win the Rochelle regional.

"We'll have to move the ball well and find some holes in their defense. I think we match up real well."

Hampshire, playing in the 14th sectional in program history, has been led all season by the trio of seniors Chrissy Heine and Cassie Dumoulin and junior Alex Dumoulin. But in the regional title game, junior Karla Vietinghoff stepped up to hit six 3-pointers and score 20 points and sophomore Michelle Dumoulin played stellar defense when Alex Dumoulin had to hit the bench in foul trouble. Starting junior guard Kelsey Anderson provides the Whips with a steady ballhandler who will score if left unguarded, and junior Jessica Van Dorin is a 3-point threat off the bench with nearly 80 3s for the season.

The Whips also play a staunch defense that has held 14 opponents under 30 points this season.

"We've preached unselfishness all year because when it comes to crunchtime you need everyone playing well," Ellett said. "We'll bring our defense first and foremost and let the rest of our game come from that."

The 6 p.m. game Monday pits Prairie Ridge (17-13) against Oswego (26-2).

PR, of the Fox Valley Conference Fox Division, beat Crystal Lake Central 30-28 Friday night to win the program's first regional title. The Wolves, with first-year coach Jessica Kuffel at the helm, were led by senior guard Anna Patras' 11 points.

Oswego's only losses this season are to Class 4A Geneva (29-0) and Class 4A Waubonsie Valley (27-2). The Panthers, who ran by Rosary 57-34 to win the Yorkville regional, are led by Winthrop University recruit Simaya Wright. Oswego lost to Freeport 55-47 in last year's sectional title game at Marengo.