LeBaron, Rams win again

For the last two years, Grayslake Central senior Megan LeBaron had a narrowly defined role.

"I was mainly a defensive player," she said.

This year, she has added offense and leadership to her resume.

LeBaron, one of the Rams' tri-captains, scored 15 points and had 9 rebounds Friday in Grayslake Central's 55-42 victory over Deerfield in the Blue Devil Classic at Warren.

The victory ran the Rams' record in the tournament to 4-0. Grayslake Central (7-5) will play for the tourney title at 7:30 p.m. today against undefeated Wheeling (16-0).

"We told Megan we need her to score more this year, and we've been looking to get her the ball inside," coach Roger Lass said.

Senior Katelynn Putkonen proved again that she can score inside and outside. She hit all 3 of the Rams' 3-pointers and scored a season-high 21 points. She also had 3 steals.

Putkonen is playing with a lot of confidence after working hard on her game in the offseason.

"This was the best summer I've had, and I carried it into the season," she said. "I knew that we needed someone to take it to the basket, and I wanted to prove to the team and coaches that I could take on that role."

Putkonen scored 14 points in the first half.

"She's taking it to the basket and staying under control," Lass said. "She's not forcing shots. We're pretty balanced (offensively); today was her day to score a lot."

Grayslake Central jumped on Deerfield from the opening tip. The Rams quickly opened leads of 8-2 and 16-4. In the second half, Deerfield closed to 31-24, but the Rams responded with a 10-0 run.

The biggest negative for the Rams in the second half was their propensity for fouling Deerfield's outside shooters. Four times, the Rams committed fouls while a Deerfield player was shooting a 3-pointer. Deerfield was 18 of 25 from the line. The Rams struggled on their trips to the free-throw line (14 of 28).

On offense, nothing came easy for Deerfield. The Warriors shot 27 percent from the field.

Already, Grayslake Central has exceeded its expectations for the tournament.

"Our goal was at least 3 wins and to finish in the top three," Lass said. "We'll be in the top two and see how it goes tomorrow. We'll have to get back on defense against Wheeling and take them out of some things they want to do."