Big tests for Wheeling

In a span of four days, Wheeling's girls basketball team will play for first in its conference and then in the state.

The Wildcats visit Prospect at 7:30 p.m. Friday for a Mid-Suburban East showdown between 4-0 teams at the Jean Walker Field House.

Then on Monday, Wheeling (20-0), ranked No. 2 in Class 4A, tackles No. 1 Whitney Young (18-1) in the final game (7 p.m.) of the McDonald's Shootout at Willowbrook High School.

"Our first focus is the Prospect game," said Wheeling coach Shelly Wiegel, who has directed the Wildcats to five straight 20-win seasons. "That's all we're thinking about right now. We have gone one game at a time all season."

Fans can thank Jim O'Boye for putting together Monday's marquee game in the state.

He has been directing the Shootout for 19 years, matching top girls basketball teams from the Midwest.

"It's good for our school and for our program," said Wiegel, whose team is led by Purdue-bound senior Ashley Wilson (19.4 ppg), Division I junior prospect Janelle Cannon (15.5 ppg) and all-area guard Bianca Szafarowicz (16 ppg).

"Everyone at school has been asking us about the game against Whitney Young," Cannon said. "They're saying, 'Oh, we're coming, we're coming.' I think it will be a really good game and it should be packed at Willowbrook High School."

"It's No. 1 against No. 2 so we're really looking forward to it," Szafarowicz said. "We know they have a couple of very good players. It's really nice to see different competition from different areas. It makes us work harder."

Both players added that for now they are working hard in preparation for Prospect.

The Wildcats' first goal is to win the MSL title, which they captured for the first time in school history last February, defeating Schaumburg in the title game.

Prospect, which features a balanced attack where no one averages more than 8 points, comes into the game at 15-4.

"We must rebound on both ends of the floor," said Knights coach Martha Kelly. "And we must limit our turnovers."

Other games in the East on Friday are Buffalo Grove at Elk Grove and Rolling Meadows at Hersey.

The MSL West currently has three teams locked in a first-place tie.

Hoffman Estates, Barrington and Fremd are 3-1 while Conant stands at 2-2.

Barrington will travel to Conant, Hoffman hosts Schaumburg and Palatine visits Fremd.

End of an era: Senior Patsy Laird's last name is hardly foreign to girls basketball fans of the Willows Academy in Des Plaines.

She is the fifth Laird sister from the Arlington Heights family to play varsity basketball for the Eagles.

And all of them, like Patsy, who also plays soccer, were two-sport athletes.

Patsy and her oldest sister Mary Therese have both worn No. 20 in basketball.

"I learned a lot from my sisters," said Patsy, who plans to study education in college," "I learned skills and the importance of dedication and the commitment to my team. They were great role models."

Eagles coach Gerry Kenny said the key to Patsy's athletic ability can easily be seen when you attend a Laird family wedding.

"You see the footwork she has developed mastering Irish step dancing with her sisters," he said.

That footwork has helped the senior point guard average 12.7 points, tops on the team.

Willows Academy athletic director Amy McMahon has known Patsy since she was in the sixth grade.

"I have seen her grow and mature into the young lady that she is today,"McMahon said.

Laird has accomplished scholar athlete status and been on the varsity basketball and soccer teams since her freshman year.

Not only is she as a standout athlete but she also participates in clubs and activities, including her roles as co-president of Student Athletic Council, co-editor of the school newspaper and a member of the National Honor Society, Respect Life Club and International Club.

"Patsy has truly evolved into a well-rounded student who has made the most of her time at the Willows," McMahon added. "Even though there were four other Laird girls that have come before her, Patsy has distinguished herself from her sisters.

"In regard to her athletic ability, she is a natural on the basketball court. She has great court vision and is unselfish with the ball but at the same time she knows when to pull up for the shot or drive the lane."

She also averages 4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 4. l steals.

Laird tossed home a season-high 23 points against Mather on Dec. 17.

On defense, Laird has quick feet and hands which account for many tips and steals.

As of Monday, the Eagles had won five straight games and owned a record of 11-8.

"Patsy not only leads with skill on the court but she also leads with heart because she truly loves the game of basketball," McMahon said. "This shows by the way she plays and how she interacts with her teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials."

Laird serves as a co-captain this winter.

"Even though her spot will be filled next year with another point guard, Patsy's graduation will leave a hole not only in the basketball program but also The Willows Academy Athletic Program as a whole," McMahon said. "Her leadership, dedication and skill has helped advance the Willows Academy athletic program

"Patsy has made the most of her time here and in doing so she will also leave her mark as what it means to be a Willows Academy Eagle."