New Trier’s Taite Ryan and Tinah Hong (No. 3) fight for a loose ball against Maine West’s Vanessa Reyes. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
There were some “just maybe” moments for New Trier.
Upsetting the top seed, Maine West, in the Class 4A girls basketball sectional at Maine East High School on Feb. 19 wasn’t out of the question for the Trevians.
New Trier used a fast-break layup by Jacqueline Vinson and a rebound basket by Taite Ryan to take a five-point lead, 35-30, with 1:42 left in the third quarter.
Just maybe …
Just maybe an upset was in the making?
That possibility lost its probability, however, when the Warriors regrouped and went on a 9-0 run early in the fourth quarter. They ended up winning the game going away, 52-38.
Maine West, which was led by Rachel Kent (16 points) and Alisa Fallon (14 points), will now take its fabulous 29-1 record into the sectional title game on Feb. 22 (7 p.m.). The Warriors will meet Loyola Academy, which defeated Maine South 62-48 in Monday’s other semifinal game.
“I’m disappointed,” said New Trier Teri Rodgers. “We couldn’t knock down shots in the fourth quarter. And in games like these, you gotta hit your shots.
“I thought the kids played their hearts out,” the veteran head coach added. “I’m proud of them.”
The Trevians completed their season with 24 wins and six losses.
“This group has had a lot of success,” said Rodgers, noting that the Trevians won 11 of their last 15 games during last year’s campaign.
New Trier got off to a rocky start against the Warriors, turning the ball over 14 times in the first half.
“Those turnovers are a tribute to Maine West,” said Rodgers. “They’re real aggressive on defense.”
The Trevians figured things out in period No. 3, when they scored 20 points in eight minutes.
“The difference in the third quarter is that we attack the basket more,” Rodgers said.
Senior guard Cate Murdock scored seven of her team-high 10 points in the frame.
“I thought our effort in the third quarter was really good,” said Murdock, who also pulled down six rebounds. “We came out with a lot more energy. That was fun to see. And it was fun to be a part of that.”
New Trier’s other stat leaders included Ryan (6 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks), Vinson (6 points, 3 rebounds) and Rebecca Goldman (8 points).
“It’s sad that it’s over,” said Murdock.
New Trier’s Rebecca Goldman gets fouled by Maine West’s Rachel Kent. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
Maggie Murdock of the Trevians tries to slip a pass past Maine West’s Rachel Kent. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
NT’s Cate Murdock takes it to the hoop. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
Taite Ryan of the Trevians (left) tangles with Maine West’s Vanessa Reyes. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
NT’s Tinah Hong puts up a shot. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
New Trier’s bench. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER