Downers Grove North’s girls basketball team escaped with a 49-47 win Saturday over Andrew in the opening round of the Rachel Bach Tournament at Glenbard East.
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But the win was also a reminder of how things have changed for the Mustangs in just a few short years. And argument could be made that this was exactly the kind of game Downers North would have lost two years ago.
“It came down to the kids,” Downers North coach Stephon Bolt said. “The kids are excited to play and want to get better. They’ve spent a lot of time working in the offseason and showing a different level of commitment. They’re changing the culture. They’re taking pride in being a girls basketball player at Downers North. There’s more pride than we’ve had in a long time. They want to go out and compete and represent the school well. And they’re buying in to what we’re trying to do.’
There was no better example of the culture change than last year. The Mustangs were coming off a nine-win season but showed some flashes of success despite the record. Downers North finished 25-4 last year and captured a regional title before falling in the sectional opener.
The Mustangs are hoping to pick up where they left off, and Bolt thinks they showed it in the narrow first-game victory.
“We had a pretty big lead before they switched into a zone and we would make one or two passes and take a three or two quick passes and a quick shot,” he said. “We just weren’t making great decisions regarding the timing of the game. And that allowed them back in. Those are just silly things we’re going to learn from.”
One thing Downers North knows is that with three returning starters in place, their core is solid. Jaida Green kicked off her junior season in fine form with a solid 25-point, nine-rebound, five-assist performance in the win.
“Jaida came in as a freshman and was an immediate starter. She went through some growing pains, but every year she’s made a huge effort in trying to improve her game,” Bolt said of the 6-foot-2 guard. “She’s constantly asking if I can get her in the gym so she can get some shots up or work on something she can add to her game.
“But the best thing about her is that she’s such a team player. She wants to win. And if that means she gets 12 rebounds, 11 assists and two points, she’s good with that. She’s also good with scoring 25 points like she did (Friday).”
The Mustangs are far from a one-person team. Downers North also returns Peyton Winters, a 6-foot-3 senior who will play for the Naval Academy next year, as well as Lauren Porcelli. Also returning are Madison Farnsworth and 5-foot-7 senior guard Izzy Greenblatt, who has rejoined the team after taking a year off to concentrate on soccer.
“One of our goals is to compete for a conference championship,” said Bolt of what appears to be a stacked West Suburban Silver Conference. “And down the stretch to be the best we can be at end of season. We still have a lot to learn, but we’re growing up and finding ourselves.”