Hersey topples Prospect

Thanks to Hersey's rally from a 7-point deficit early in the third quarter to an 8-point lead early in the fourth, there are no undefeated teams in the Mid-Suburban East girls basketball standings.

Trailing East leader Prospect 23-16, Hersey went on an 18-3 run and never looked back in a 45-40 triumph in its Carter Gymnasium on Friday night in Arlington Heights.

The logjam in the East now has Rolling Meadows (3-1) in front, followed by Hersey (2-1), Prospect (2-1), Elk Grove (1-2), Buffalo Grove (1-2) and Wheeling (1-3).

"I suspected there would be great parity in our division," said Hersey coach Mary Fendley. "But I didn't suspect it would show three games in."

"We're really excited to be among the leaders now in the East," said Hersey senior guard Emily Collins, who scored a game-high 15 points and played only about half of the game due to foul trouble.

"Everyone played well and worked hard together. We have to share time at point guard without Mary Kate (Fahey, wrist injury)."

Collins, sophomore Mary McGrath and junior Sydney Hemenway took turns handling the point, and scoring points. McGrath had 14 while Hemmenway dropped in 5, including a 3-pointer.

Janine Boyan led Hersey (7-5) with 8 rebounds while McGrath and Maddie Jacobson each had 6.

"That fact that we went from 7 points down to 8 up with MK (Fahey) out and Ellen on the bench (foul trouble) is so impressive to me," Fendley said. "It just says if you have a group of girls willing to buy into a game plan and the idea that it takes five kids to win a game, then things like this happen.

"I don't think we ever doubted we could be in the mix (in the East) but even some of us may be surprised we did it without MK and Emily this game."

Prospect (7-3) was led by the balanced scoring of Ashley Adams (9 points), Jessica Kowalczyk (9), Eliot Dojutrek (8) and Abbey Danciu (7).

"It was a goofy week for us," said Prospect coach Marie Miller. "We played a game Thursday night (won 59-52 at Hoffman) and varsity B game the night before. But no excuses.

"The best thing about conference games is that we get to play them (Hersey) again and next time they'll be coming to our place. So we'll be ready.

"Hersey hit some really good shots when they needed them, and we didn't. They attacked in ways that we didn't and were scrappy, crashed the boards and played hard. I don't think they wanted it anymore than us but sometimes things go a different way and next time we'll work our best to make it go our way."