Smith, South Elgin outlast Jacobs

It was a struggle for three quarters for South Elgin and junior standout Becca Smith.

With the Storm shooting only 28 percent and Smith connecting on only 4-of-15 shots from the floor through 24 minutes, South Elgin held a slim 34-30 lead over Jacobs heading into the fourth and final quarter.

But with Smith scoring 14 of her game-high 26 points in the fourth quarter, South Elgin outscored the Golden Eagles 19-12 during the final 8 minutes in posting a 53-42 win in nonconference girls basketball action in Algonquin Wednesday night.

"Give Jacobs credit they played tough, pressure defense on us," said South Elgin coach Tim Prendergast. "We missed a ton of bunnies in the first half and we were up one. We thought we were in good shape. In the fourth quarter, we created some offense with our pressure defense and our traps. For four quarters, we played good defense."

South Elgin seized control of the game early in the fourth quarter.

With Smith scoring all 7 points, the Storm (2-5) scored the first 7 points to take a 41-30 advantage with 5:43 left.

But the Golden Eagles refused to quit. A 3-pointer from Melanie Schwerdtmann pulled Jacobs (0-8) within 5, 43-38, with 3:45 left. The Golden Eagles couldn't get any closer.

With Smith scoring 7 points, the Storm won the game with an 8-1 run. A layup by Smith off a solid feed from sophomore Savannah Uvegas, gave South Elgin a 51-39 lead with 2:44 left in the game.

Smith was backed by Uvegas with 8 points, 4 assists and 3 steals.

"I thought we played a great all-around game and we really clicked on defense," said Smith. "Coach has really been stressing defense and our press was effective. We were able to convert some easy baskets off our press. We were determined not to lose this game."

Schwerdtmann paced the Golden Eagles with 17 points including three 3-pointers before fouling out with 2:09 left in the game. Jessica Tennant added 10 points for Jacobs.

"Melanie played very well and we expect that from her since she is the only player with any type of (varsity) experience," said Jacobs coach Keith Chuipek. "We played well for three quarters and we are staying in games later recently. We were right in the game in the fourth quarter. It was a good step. We executed our offense and got good shots. Their depth and our inexperience were key in the fourth quarter."

Boys bowling

St. Edward d. Westminster Christian: Blake Poremba had a 542 series and Drew Thomas added a 522 to lead the Green Wave to a 4-0 win over Westminster. Thomas' 196 was the high game of the day. St. Edward also counted a 500 series from Mike Zarbock and a 497 from Dean Galati.