Matters, Prospect pull out victory over Wheeling

Prospect got the basket when it mattered most.

Knights coach Gabrielle Lovin called a time out with 36 seconds left to set up a play in which senior guard Nikki Matters ended up scoring the decisive layup with 11.6 seconds left in a 42-40 triumph over Wheeling in Mid-Suburban East girls basketball.

"We then played solid defense to hold our lead," said Lovin, whose team improved to 8-16 and 2-6. "This one came down to the wire. Our defense kept us in it and we hit some big shots."

Sophomore Margherite Pettenuzzo (5 points, including a 3-pointer) hit 2 free throws to tie the game at 40-40.

Matters finished with a career-high 19 points while classmates Angelina Villasin and Clare O'Carroll each added 7 points.

Wheeling (11-13, 2-6) was led by juniors Melissa Claver and Kourtney Schuetz, who each scored 10 points. Sophomore guard Nansy Velev added 9.

Hersey 66, Elk Grove 42: Visiting Hersey improved to 19-4 and 6-2 in the MSL East as juniors Claire Gritt (16 points) and Carly Cooper (career-high 13) led the way,

Junior Kelly Wehyrich (two 3-pointers) and senior Maggie Berigan each chipped in 8 for the Huskies while junior Gina Miklasz added 7.

Elk Grove (3-19, 1-7) was led by seniors Sarah Pauscher (12 points) and Carly Crothers (10).

Schaumburg 61, Hoffman Estaes 33: Host Schaumburg (15-8, 6-2) received a career-high 19 points from senior Paige Alt, who connected for five 3-pointers in the MSL West game.

Also reaching double figures for the Saxons were juniors Mallory Gerber (16) and Laura O'Connell (12).

Senior Erin Hanson led Hoffman (9-15, 1-7) with 13 points while junior Monraia Wilson and sophomore Tayler Williams each had 7.