Redwings escape upset-minded Marian Catholic

Before a LIVE Comcast CN100 Game of the Week audience, the Redwings missed 22 of their 24 first-half shots, misfired on 10 of their 11 first half three-point shots and trailed the young and upset-minded Marian Catholic 22-7 at halftime in an East Suburban Catholic Conference match-up in Chicago Heights.

Benet head coach Joe Kilbride went to his full-court, pressure defense to open up the third quarter.

The youthful Spartans wilted under the Redwing (17-2, 3-0) defensive onslaught, turning the ball over 15 times in the quarter. Wisconsin-bound Brooke Schramek (12 points) buried a trio of three-point shots from the corner and the Redwings outscored Marian Catholic 23-7 to lead 30-29 after three quarters.

In the fourth quarter, the Redwings shooting woes returned. Marian Catholic pulled to within 37-36 with 9.2 seconds remaining. CN100 Player of the Game, DePaul-bound Kendall Holmes (14 points) nailed two huge free-throws to give the Redwings the 39-36 victory.

SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE CROSSOVERS

Joliet Central 46 West Aurora 31

In a battle between the SPC East co-leaders from Joliet Central (18-3, 7-1 East) and the SPC West leading West Aurora (13-4, 7-1 West), a down-to-the wire battle was expected.

Joliet Central head coach Laura Brumfiel and her Steelwomen had other ideas.

The Steelwomen scored the first 11 points of the game and blew out the Blackhawks in The Old Barn in Joliet.

Stelwoman junior Ashanti Brown dropped a game-high 21 points on the SPC West leaders, leading the Steelwomen to their 15th consecutive victory.

A'llasha Alexander and junior Jalysa Stokes each scored eight points for the Central, who led 18-4 after one quarter and extended the lead to 29-10 at half and 40-18 after three quarters.

Joliet West 67 Oswego East 60

It is win 13 in a row for the Tigers (17-3 7-1 East) who kept pace with their arch-rivals from Joliet Central with the SPC Crossover victory over the Wolfpack (6-12, 3-5 West).

Plainfield Central 48 Yorkville 38

Armond Frazier's Wildcats (10-10, 5-2 East) stayed within 2 1/2 games of the SPC East leaders, Joliet Central and Joliet West, with the win in Plainfield. Senior Kachae Donald led the Wildcats with 14 points. Freshman Aaliyah Frazier scored nine points and hauled down six rebounds. Tykara Harrison chipped in with eight points.

Melissa Schmidt led the 'Cats with nine boards while Stacey Evans and Jasmine Bonsu grabbed seven rebounds each.

Plainfield North 76 Romeoville 61

The Tigers (11-8 4-4 West) received a battle from the Lady Spartans for three quarters before Lexi Hernandez's (13 points, four 3's) long-range three point shooting, finished off The Ville (3-16, 0-8 East).

Katelyn Sparlin had a game-high 19 points to lead the Tigers. Natalie Bearbower chipped in with 13 points.

WEST SUBURBAN SILVER

Downers Grove North 37 York 29

For DGN head coach Stephan Bolt and his Trojans, a very enjoyable bus ride from Elmhurst took place on Friday night. The Trojans went into very hostile territory at WSC Silver leading York and came home with the huge WSC Silver win.

With the win the Trojans (16-4, 5-1) pull into a first-place tie in the WSC Silver with the Dukes (14-4, 5-1). The rematch will take place in DGN's Purple Gym, on February 4. The Trojans have won five consecutive games.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN SOUTH

Maine South 73 Glenbrook South 59

The Hawks (13-5, 4-2) rolled past the Titans (6-12, 1-5) in Friday night's CSL South match-up in Park Ridge