The No. 2 Young Dolphins’ trapping defense and fast break attack were more than enough to spark a 48-15 first-half run on the way to an 87-32 triumph over Roosevelt at the Boyz from the Hood girls basketball tournament on Wednesday.
But with three other teams ranked in the Tribune’s Top 20 also advancing, coach Arthur Penny of Young (7-1) knows his squad still has a great deal of work to do.
“We’re playing pretty good, but we’ve got a long way to go,” Penny said.
Natasha Pointer posted 23 points, eight assists and six steals for Whitney Young and Dominique Canty added 19 points.
In other first-round action, Jana Mathis tallied 12 points and 10 rebounds as Barrington outscored Phillips 21-2 in the first quarter and rolled to a 71-30 victory.
Chicagoland Holiday Challenge: Joy Pavichevich matched her 13 points with 13 rebounds as Maine South (10-4) charged out to a 21-8 first-quarter lead on its way to a 58-33 victory over Lake Zurich (5-7) in round-robin play at Loyola. Sue Sroka added 11 points and 10 rebounds.
In other action, Loyola cranked up the defense and ran off a 13-2 second quarter run and then held off Hoffman Estates 49-33.
Kristin Santa and Beth Schillen (six rebounds) each posted 15 points for the Ramblers (9-3).
Crystal Lake Central: Rolling Meadows (7-4) triumphed over Addison Trail 53-43 and the host school rolled past Mundelein 60-35 to set up Thursday’s final.
Meghan Moran scored 16 and Kristen Barker added 14 to spark Rolling Meadows.
Christy Keller had 23 and Elizabeth Zurek added 14 to lead Crystal Lake Central (10-3).
Dundee-Crown: Stevenson put a quick end to Fenwick’s wild ride. The Friars had knocked off favored York and New Trier in the tournament’s first two rounds but the top-ranked Patriots outscored the Fenwick 21-5 in the first quarter on their way to a 65-19 triumph.
“I told the girls I wanted them to play the best first half of basketball they’ve played all year and they did,” said Stevenson (14-1) coach Frank Mattucci. “I think we could have played anybody tonight and given them fits.
Tamika Catchings scored 21 points and sister Tauja added 18.
Stevenson will face No. 5 Buffalo Grove in Thursday’s final after the Bisons surged to a 20-1 run at the start of the fourth quarter and knocked off Libertyville (8-5) 68-49.
Sherise Compobasso scored 22 points and Stacy Kondziolka hit for 13 points including 5-5 from the free throw line during the critical stretch for Buffalo Grove (14-1).
Julie Virta scored 21 to lead Libertyville.
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Salena Miller’s 15 points boosted No. 4 Maine West to a 63-49 victory over Naperville Central. Dawn Vana added 12 rebounds for Maine West, while Angie Hill scored 22 for Naperville Central.
Hersey: Resurrection grabbed two victories and Hersey posted one to set up Thursday’s title match. The No. 10 Bandits (11-1) cruised to a 66-19 victory over Dwight after they knocked off Hinsdale South 59-34 earlier in the day.
Ann Brophy had 15 points, Melissa Collins had 14 and Tara Babich had 10 for the Bandits against Dwight.
In other action, the host Huskies (10-4) knocked out Niles West 58-31.
Niles North: Jennifer Katz tossed in 18 points and Brandi Irvin hauled down 15 rebounds as Highland Park (5-9) earned a spot in Thursday’s final with a 45-42 victory over Niles North.
Richmond-Burton: Michelle VanEvery and Katie Shine each scored 12 as Johnsburg handled St. Gregory 75-45.
St. Ignatius: Mary Weber and Erin Toomey scored 17 points apiece as No. 7 St. Ignatius (11-0) hammered Deerfield (6-10) 75-39. Ignatius coasted after opening a 38-21 halftime lead.
St. Viator: Carmel flew past Josephinum 75-35 behind Erin Potempa’s 20 points. Denise Walker scored 15 points to spark St. Viator (6-7) past Wheeling 50-29.