The coach of last year’s Class A state champion watched her team fall behind 2-0, 4-0, 7-0–and on it went Wednesday night
Illiana Christian eventually opened a 15-0 lead on its home floor, built a 27-point gap in the fourth quarter and went on to give Hope no hope of repeating as state champions with a 76-60 sectional championship victory.
“I’m just completely stunned,” Hope coach Jenelle Spearmon said after the game.
Stunning was the performance by Illiana Christian (20-10), which moves on to Monday’s supersectional at Loyola University against either Lisle or Latin. Senior Erica Bruxvoort from Highland, Ind., performed like one of the Hoosiers from “Hoosiers.” She not only came up with 19 points but a season-high 20 rebounds.
“No doubt about it, they are a good team,” said Bruxvoort. “But we got them flustered and got into their heads–just went at them and got the job done.”
She outrebounded Hope by herself 20-15.
Hope (18-9) didn’t score its first points until one minute 20 seconds remained in the first quarter. The Eagles, who beat the Vikings 57-38 in last year’s sectional final, trailed 17-2 at the quarter, 33-15 at halftime and 58-31 late in the third quarter before Hope went on a 9-0 run.
Becky Rudenga tied Bruxvoort for team scoring honors with 19 points and Laura Krygier added 15 as Illiana tries to get back to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2001. Freshman Latear Eason’s led Hope with 22.
“Fifteen rebounds, 15 rebounds,” Spearmon repeated in dismay. “That’s what I’m furious about.”
