Girls gymnastics: Mundelein wins North Suburban meet

There've been a lot of firsts around the Mundelein girls gymnastics team over the last few years.

This season, Mundelein coach Nancy Toland has been trying to enjoy all the achievement from a unique perspective, as it looks like it might be her last season with the Mustangs after 15 years in charge.

Most recently, she has seen her team produce a season-best 143.1 score in the North Suburban Conference meet in Mundelein on Friday night. That fine effort earned the Mustangs a share of the NSC title with Warren (the Blue Devils won the dual meet portion of the schedule).

Warren was second on Friday at 142.1 and Stevenson was third at 133.05 in the six-team field.

"It's time, but this has been the closest group over the years," Toland said. "I think this group can take it to state. It's something that we haven't done.

"I know the potential they have to see some great things come together. They have the potential to win regionals and to reach sectionals. To see them have that chance to make it to state is so huge. I believe these girls can do it."

Emily Basura of Warren was the all-around champion with a 38.45. She also chalked up the top spots on vault (9.8), beam (9.65), floor (9.65) and bars (9.35).

"I thought my vault was pretty good, doing a Yurchenko layout," Basara said. "I stuck it and it turned out good. I really do like the vault."

Teammate Teagon Albert finished third in the all-around 37.05. She also third on beam 9.35, fourth on floor 9.45, fifth on bars 8.8 and fourth on vault along with Kyra McCue of Warren at 9.45.

The Mustangs' McKenzie Kehr was runner-up in the all-around with 37.9. She was second on floor (9.6), beam (9.4), bars (9.25) and vault (9.65).

"I'd say my floor was the best," said Kehr who had to deal with some nerves on floor, where she was last to perform. "I had the most fun with it. I was pretty good. I might have had better routines this year, but I thought this one was pretty good. I think I nailed all four routines in all the events."

Stevenson claimed in the fourth and fifth spots in the all-around with Elizabeth Shank (36.7) and Mikaela Webb (36.55).

Shank was third on vault (9.5), third on floor (9.5) and fourth on beam (9.25). Webb was third on bars (9.1) and fifth on beam (9.0).

Mundelein's Taylor Shanahan placed fourth on bars (9.0) and fifth on floor (9.4).