Libertyville beats Stevenson for third time in a row

Now it's three straight times for the Libertyville Wildcats girls basketball team. Dating back to last season, Libertyville has knocked off a good Stevenson club three straight times.

The latest victory came Tuesday night in Libertyville. The Wildcats (7-0) opened a 20-8 first half lead and then held on to post a 44-37 win over previously unbeaten Stevenson.

"They play good defense,'' said Stevenson's Ashley Niedermayer. "And they hit their shots."

Whatever the mystique Libertyville has going, it played out quite well for the home team. On a driving shot by Alex Haley (8 points), the Wildcats opened a 10-2 lead. As much as the Wildcats dominated the early action, Stevenson (4-1) cut the lead to 22-20 in the third quarter.

"I think we missed 700 shots from three feet and in,'' said Stevenson coach Tom Dineen. "But we still had our chances as poorly as we shot the ball.''

Stevenson's plan to take Libertyville's leading scorer, Savannah Trees, out of the game, seemed to work to perfection. Trees was held to 5 points. Instead, the Wildcats looked for help elsewhere.  Libertyville center Nicole Kruckman led a balanced attack with 11 points.

"Nicole did everything tonight,'' said Libertyville coach Kathie Swanson. "She played the whole game."

Libertyville took a 32-27 lead to the fourth quarter. It was soon 40-27. Stevenson didn't manage a field goal until there was a minute and a half left. And as quickly as the lead reached double figures, it melted when Stevenson put on the press.

"We really got frazzled at the end,'' said Liberyville guard Kaca Savatic. "Stevenson had the energy and we just needed to calm down."

Savatic (9 points) had a key steal in the final minute to stall the Stevenson comeback.

"They stole the ball from us,'' she said. "I just jumped into the passing lane for that one.''

Olivia Wilcox (9 points) scored five points in a row in the second quarter.

"We don't play as individuals,'' Swanson said. "This group of kids plays as a team."