Murray, Knights shoot by Wildcats
A lot is expected this season from Prospect senior forward Megan Murray.
If Monday night's game at Libertyville is any indication, Prospect's only returning starter is up for the challenge.
Murray scored a game-high 24 points to lead the Knights to a 48-43 victory in the season opener for both teams.
"Megan Murray was fabulous," said first-year coach Martha Kelly, who recorded her first varsity victory.
Prospect leaned heavily on Murray at the start of the game. She scored 8 of Prospect's first 10 points to help stake the Knights to a 10-2 lead.
Early in the third quarter, she came through again in a big way. With Prospect leading 21-20, she scored 6 of her team's next 7 points to help the Knights open a 28-20 advantage. Twice in the second half, she rebounded a miss on a Prospect free throw and put it back for a score.
"I've always played with older girls, so it's pretty cool to play with this (group)," Murray said. "I'm excited with what I've seen so far."
Libertyville played without senior Ali Haws and junior Maka Stewart. Haws and Stewart, who figure to be key contributors, played on the Wildcats' volleyball team that placed fourth at state. They were on the bench Monday and will practice with the team this week and should be ready to go for the Wildcats' next game.
After a shaky start, Libertyville hung around the whole way. The Wildcats trailed 39-30 with 4:33 remaining in the fourth quarter, but scored 7 consecutive points to pull within 2.
Down the stretch, Prospect relied heavily on the free throw shooting of sophomore guard Lexi Glennon (5 of 7). Glennon finished with 9 points.
"We had butterflies in the beginning, but we responded and didn't get discouraged," Libertyville coach Kathie Swanson said. "If we use our basketball IQ a little better, we should be competitive with all the teams we play this season."
Libertyville's Kristy Williams contributed 10 points.
"She drove to the basket and gave us good looks on offense," Swanson said.
Kelly was excited with the way the Knights competed Monday.
"We kept the pressure on them," she said. "These are the types of games you want to win."