The LFHS Varsity Girls Basketball Team is looking to mount another playoff win against Cary Grove after a dominant victory over Wheaton (56-36) in the first round. With a record of 11-17 in the regular season and 5-9 in the conference, the Scouts now face Cary Grove (23-7) on their home court after losing to them last year in a similar situation.
Despite the Scouts’ regular season record, they showed lots of growth throughout the regular season. Their offense has been powered by the three-point shooters Charlie Axus and Lauren Richards. Returning sophomore Annie Acello has developed great shifty skills, especially down in the post, and also found a great rhythm for her shot.
“As a team that doesn’t have much height, we had to find other ways to help ourselves, especially on offense,” senior Captain Lauren Richards said. “Each person on our team improved a tremendous amount, and everyone kept their spirits high even during tough losses.”
Seniors Chloe Hvostik and Ryan Rice have anchored the paint despite only being 5’5” and 5’8” in games against several 6-foot centers.
“Chloe was our start defender, guarding the best player on the other team and always locking her up, and Ryan played our post, guarding the other team’s post and was a beast while also finding open looks down low,” Richards said.
Cary Grove continues to maintain their strong reputation, led by senior Ellie Mjaanes, a dominant 6-foot post player who uses her size and mobility to control the paint. Running the court is junior Kennedy Manning, an ideal point guard with a high basketball IQ, strong shooting, and solid defensive skills.
“I believe in our hard work and capabilities. We all want this win and to continue our season, so we’re going to give it our all and leave it on the court,” senior Chloe Hvostik said.
Coming into the game, the Scouts are heavy underdogs but believe in their ability to come out on top against the Trojans.
“As the lower seed, we need to have a chip on our shoulder and give it everything we have. It’s do or die at this point, and I’m excited to play together tomorrow,” Richards said.
In order to pull off the upset, the Scouts will need to lean on their strengths. As captains, Axus and Richards must find open looks from beyond the arc, while Acello will need to continue to act as a versatile scorer. Defensively, Hvostik and Rice must give it their all to contain Mjaanes and start the game off hot.
