Defending SPC champion Bengal girls, destroy Proviso East in season-opener

The defending Southwest Prairie Conference girls champions from Plainfield East started slowly, in their opening-round game in the 10th annual Marist Thanksgiving Tip-Off Classic Wednesday night.

Trailing Proviso East 6-5 with 5:05 remaining in the first quarter, the Bengals went on a 21-0 run over the next nine minutes to open up a 26-6 lead. The lead would expand to 36-8 at the half and the Bengals would go on to rout the over-matched Lady Pirates, 55-23.

Sparked by a huge three pointer and a pair of steals by Bengal, sophomore guard Madison Edwards (three points, four rebounds, four steals) the Bengals totally overwhelmed the Pirates. After Edwards got the Bengals’ party started, sophomore Lauryn Hilliard (18 points, 14 rebounds), senior Andrea Winston (six points, five rebounds, five assists) and junior Adja Camara (four points, 10 rebounds) took over the game.

“I was able to get the run started but then Lauryn and Andrea took over,” Edwards said. “Lauryn,kept getting me the rebound but my shot just wouldn’t fall after my first 3.”

Hilliard had her double-double (12 points,10 rebounds) in the first half, alone.

“We put in the work and it really paid off for us with this big win,” Hilliard said. “I surprised myself with the way I played tonight on the court. I played well but I want to thank Andrea for getting me the ball down low to score.”

Running the high-low to perfection, Winston put on a show picking up five assists that led to Hilliard and Camara lay-ups.

“My first look is always to look down low and pass the ball to my teammates,” Winston said. “If we just come out and play hard each game we really don’t worry about our opponent. If we play our game, we will be successful.”

In her first varsity action Bengal freshman Taylor French put on a show for her teammates and the Bengal faithful hitting three long-range three-pointers and finished with 12 points.

Great floor games were performed by Bengal guards, Kaley Nhim and Alex Zack.

Up next for the Bengals is a 6:15 p.m. date with Crete Monee (0-1) Thursday night.

“We started slowly in our man-to-man defense and then switched to what we have run since I have been here, the 1-2-2 defense, and it worked.” Plainfield East head coach Tony Waznonis said. “The girls practiced our fundamentals to perfection tonight. As long as we improve a little each game.

“Madison is super athletic and really sparked our run. Lauren works inside and also can play guard. She is a tough matchup. Andrea is always looking for Lauryn and Adja down low. She is a great passer and one of our leaders. Taylor French went out and played very aggressive game and played well for us.”

Sparlin, Knox, lead Tigers’ demolition of Coal City
After falling in their season-opener at Lincoln-Way West (1-0) on Monday, Plainfield North (1-1) bounced back on Tuesday and hammered Coal City 57-26. Coal City falls to 1-1.

The Tigers were led in scoring by 5-foot-3 junior Katelyn Sparlin and sophomore Brooke Knox, who each tallied 10 points. Junior Marissa Mussatto chipped in with eight points and 5-foot-10 Natalie Bearbower added seven points. Sophomore guard Lexie Hernandez added a half dozen points in the Tigers’ romp, while 5-foot-10 senior Oliva Cantu led the Tigers with seven rebounds and scored four points.

Lisle rallies past Immaculate Conception in season opener
In their 2018 season opener in Elmhurst Lisle trailed the hosts from ICCP 42-35 after three quarters.The Lions put on a furious fourth quarter rally outscoring the Lady Knights 17-7 to pull out the season-opening victory. Up next for the Lions is an opening-round game in the Ridgewood Invitational Tournament in Norridge versus Chicago Northside Prep (0-0).

The area’s top-ranked girls basketball team, Benet Academy (1-0), traveled to Chicago for its 2018-2019 season opener, at St. Ignatius (0-1). After trailing 16-14 after one quarter, the Redwings rolled past the Wolfpack 72-60.

Up next for the Redwings is their home-opener Friday night against the Bulldogs of Batavia (1-0).