It was a long time coming for Glenbrook South, and it didn’t come easily.
Amy Eigel scored 13 points and the Titans, ranked seventh in the Chicago area, held off No. 11 Maine West Thursday night for a 39-37 victory in the Niles North sectional title game. The Titans meet Libertyville in Monday night’s Niles West Supersectional with a berth in the Elite Eight on the line.
“I hope we don’t have to wait another 18 years or so to do it again,” Glenbrook South coach Howard Romanek said of the school’s first sectional title.
Glenbrook South went on an 8-3 run in the fourth quarter to take a 37-31 lead with 4 minutes to play. But the Titans missed the front end of four one-and-ones to allow the Warriors (23-8) to rally.
“I wish we could have made a few more free throws,” Romanek said. “We were lucky to win.”
Dawn Smith led Maine West with 16 points. Carly Zilligen added eight points.
“What hurt us most was our own ineptness,” Maine West coach Derril Kipp said. “We held the ball for the final 1:10 and didn’t take a shot and didn’t convert when we had the opportunity.”
Lincoln-Way: Michelle Roberts scored 12 points as Joliet (27-1) coasted to a 61-42 victory over Kankakee for the title. Leading 27-21 at halftime, Joliet opened the third quarter with a 10-2 run to put it away.
“I’m glad we got out of this with a `W,’ ” Joliet coach Al Mart said. “But when it was time to play we showed up.”
Pam Johnson had 15 points for Kankakee (25-4).
Riverside-Brookfield: Akisha Franklin scored 18 points and Priscilla Trevino had 17 as York (24-7) eliminated Lyons 56-52. York advances to Monday’s Willowbrook supersectional against Mother McAuley.
“At the end, we had the ball in the hands of seniors to hold on,” York coach Steve Cochran said. “I’m real proud of these kids.”
Wheaton North: Terri Zemaitis’ 35 points shredded Naperville’s North’s defense and led No. 6 Downers Grove South to a 65-50 victory.
CLASS A
Immaculate Conception: Lindsay Arsenau hit a 15-footer with 2:01 to play to give Westmont a 47-46 lead, and the Sentinels held on for a 51-50 victory over Montini. The Sentinels advance to Monday’s Somonauk supersectional.
More Top Picks Showers Boats
After her basket, Arsenau stole the ball and Lindsay Feris (team-high 16 points) made four three throws to clinch the win. Westmont (22-7) avenged a 20-point loss.
“I played a man-to-man against them last time and they led by 20 at half,” Westmont coach Mark Glenn said. “That was the last time I did that.”
Katie Guilfoile had 25 points for Montini (21-11).