Stewart, Libertyville getting stronger

For most of this season, Libertyville senior Maka Stewart has played the role of proud big sister.

Stewart, a starter as a sophomore and junior, tore her ACL during the summer. Her practice time has been limited and she missed the first 11 games of the season.

Stewart has come off the bench the last three games, including Tuesday's 32-24 victory over Conant in the Lady Mustangs Holiday Classic. The plan is to work her way back into the lineup gradually.

"I just hope I don't screw up the chemistry," Stewart said with a smile. "They're doing really well. I'm proud of everyone."

The Conant Cougars (10-3) were the Wildcats' latest victim. Already this season, Libertyville has upset highly regarded Lake Zurich and Mundelein.

Libertyville improved to 3-0 in the tournament and 8-6 for the season. This was the second consecutive game the Wildcats limited their opponent to 24 points.

The Wildcats compensated for their lack of size by playing a lot of zone defense and they also mixed in some man-to-man.

"They did a nice job in that zone," Conant coach Dan Travers said. "They have a lot of skill and that poses some problems."

Libertyville coach Kathie Swanson likes the way the Wildcats can give offenses different looks.

"It can be hard for teams to recognize it on the fly," she said. "They have some nice outside shooters and we did a good job of getting out on them."

During the first three quarters, Conant senior Lauren Jason was the only Cougar to enjoy any success offensively. She scored 14 of her team's first 17 points. Her performance helped Conant have a shot going into the fourth quarter (27-19).

"We know she can do that; she was outstanding," Travers said. "We need to get (everybody scoring) at the same time."

Conant closed to 29-24 on a 3-pointer by senior Marissa Ross with 2:58 remaining. But that was the last basket of the game for the Cougars. This was fortunate for Libertyville because the Wildcats only managed 5 points in the fourth quarter.

"I knew we had the guards to play (this type of) defense," Swanson said. "It was a matter of our post defenders (improving), and they've gotten so much better."

Senior point guard Hannah Wilson had a team-high 10 points. Sophomore Savannah Trees and junior Leah Kruckman scored 7 and 6 points, respectively.

Wilson is becoming more and more comfortable at point guard.

"It's a lot of pressure, but I like seeing everything and being in control," she said.

Stewart did not score a basket in limited minutes but her court presen ce helped the Wildcats.

"She's our most experienced player," Swanson said. "She's a great defender and her size and strength is key for us."

Stewart, who dove for a loose ball in the fourth quarter, is not hesitating on the court.

"I don't think about my knee too much," she said. "I forget about it all the time."