You certainly couldn’t tell Kankakee posted a historic victory Thursday in Joliet by coach Deb Johnston’s reaction.
The 14th-ranked Kays defeated No. 19 Joliet 72-62–the first time they’ve beaten Joliet–for Johnston’s 300th victory as a head coach.
But Johnston seemed relieved rather than elated.
“It felt good to win this game,” said Johnston, who is in her 18th season. “We played poorly Tuesday (in a loss to Momence). We only scored 36 points, and we doubled that tonight.”
Kankakee (1-1) took control early and led 37-22 at the half, but a 15-0 run by Joliet in the second half tied the game. Joliet (1-1) took the lead on a three-pointer by Lori Shelby (23 points), but Carla White responded for Kankakee with her own three-pointer. The Kays outscored Joliet 27-19 in the fourth for the victory.
Corrie May led all scorers with 24 for Kankakee. Jamie Gathing added 14 points and 23 rebounds.
Illiana Christian 58, Thornton Fractional South 22: Caryn Boer sparked Illiana (1-1) with 17 points, six rebounds, five assists, five blocks and four steals.
Kenwood 81, Juarez 46: Erin Pruitt scored 23 points and Monique Long added 18 to power Kenwood (1-1). Erica Urenda led Juarez (1-1) with 23 points.
Lincoln-Way 60, Bloom 30: Nicci Piech’s 21 points and 13 rebounds powered Lincoln-Way (1-1) past Bloom (1-1).
Marian Catholic 61, Shepard 23: Leslie Boyle scored 15 points, and Lauren Leamanczyk added 10 points and three steals to pace the Spartans (1-0).
Oak Forest 71, Rich East 69: Sara Kopycinski hit two free throws with a minute left to lift Oak Forest (1-0). Kristin Kwasny paced the victors with 34 points and 13 rebounds; Patrice Green led Rich East (0-2) with 27 points.
Pontiac tournament: Adrianne Leschewski recorded 20 points and 14 rebounds to guide Morris (1-0) past Pontiac 74-48.
Providence 56, St. Francis 47: Colleen Gannon and Jenny Ewald (15 rebounds) each had 15 points for Providence (1-0).
Romeoville tournament: Natalie McClure scored 15 of her 23 points in the fourth quarter to key a 21-6 run as Argo topped Thornton Fractional North 54-46. McClure also had 17 rebounds for Argo (1-1), while Joanna Mallek chipped in 14 points. . . . Trisha Jakel scored 17 points and Trisha Valenti added 14 to lead Lockport (1-0) over Romeoville 45-41.
