Hinsdale Central found out just Thursday night that it would have to get past New Trier in Monday’s Class AA girls basketball supersectional.
But this team, which has a 30-1 record, has spent the last year preparing for this game, coach Steve Gross said.
Last season these two schools, among the most storied in Illinois high school sports history with a combined 141 state titles, met in the same game with the same reward on the line and the result was a stunning 41-26 New Trier win.
Already there’s been a stunning development for this game. Shana Franklin, New Trier’s leading scorer, dislocated her elbow in the Trevians’ victory Thursday over Regina and will not play Monday.
“I’m really upset. I’d do anything to be healthy and be out there,” said the senior, who was injured when she landed hard on a small trunk belonging to a TV cameraman after driving for a layup. “But they’ve played without me before and have done a great job.”
Said Gross: “I feel so terrible for Shana. It’s not just that she’s such a good player, but that she’s worked so hard.”
But Gross and his team have not forgotten last season’s disappointment.
“Obviously we’ve been targeting this game all year,” Gross said. “The day after that game we came together. Actually, it was minutes after that game. We started talking about making sure that doesn’t happen again.”
Gross said that what happened against New Trier was the same thing that happened in 2000 against Fenwick: Players who had taken and hit shots all season were hesitant to shoot.
The game is one of eight that will decide which teams reach Friday’s Class AA quarterfinals at Redbird Arena in Normal. Here’s a look at local matchups:
– Hinsdale Central (30-1) vs. New Trier (31-3), 7:30 p.m. at Loyola University
Franklin, who still has hopes of being able to play if New Trier gets Downstate, said her teammates have “all been really supportive.” Now they’ve got to show their support on the floor. Megan Slattery led the Trevians, third in the state late season, with 12 points and six rebounds in beating Regina. Central’s Maggie Acuna had her best scoring game with 20 in the sectionals against Hinsdale South.
– Benet (24-8) vs. Neuqua Valley (28-5), 7:30 p.m. at Naperville North
Few thought Neuqua Valley would reach the Class AA title game against Fenwick last season. But with 6-foot-3-inch sophomore Lindsay Wisdom returning, the Wildcats were expected to make a run this season. Karly Chesko, who transferred from St. Charles East, has become a major contributor for coach Mike Williams. Benet’s Jenny Callan has had three double-doubles in her last four games for the Redwings. Neuqua Valley won 58-49 when these teams met Dec. 27.
– Marshall (28-1) vs. Hope (30-2), 7 p.m. at UIC Pavilion
This has all the ingredients of a classic Public League championship game. Marshall is making its 25th consecutive appearance in a city final, Hope its first. They’ve split their two meetings this season. Coach Dorothy Gaters’ Commandos count on Tiffany Sardin and Jacquay Holmes. Kristin Moore came up big in the semifinals with 24 points and 18 rebounds against Young.
– Mother McAuley (23-10) vs. Marian Catholic (28-1), 7:30 p.m. at St. Xavier University
The Mighty Macs were off to a 12-1 start before losing 6-2 Lauren Levine to a torn knee ligament. They’ve made an amazing recovery and ousted defending state champ Fenwick. Amy Harmening, Tracy Grapenthin and Jenna Zientek have led the way. Missy Mitidiero has been crucial for the state’s No. 1 team, which is trying to get Downstate for the first time. The junior, on a bad ankle, had 23 in eliminating Hillcrest.
– Buffalo Grove (24-10) vs. Lake Zurich (32-0), 7:30 p.m. at Hersey
Buffalo Grove coach Tom Dineen figured his team would be a year away. Now the 2000 state champs are a game from reaching the Elite Eight. There’s a major connection with that title–Jennifer Guth and current Illini Allison Guth. With Johanna Solverson and Patti Hornung, the Bears just might be too big for the Bison. Lake Zurich’s only Elite Eight appearance came in 1986.
