Candace Parker’s high school basketball career nearly came to an end Friday night, but her teammates wouldn’t let it.
Teammates like Erica Carter, who had been blanked for three quarters but hit two crucial three-pointers. And Rachel Crissy, whose steal and driving layup gave the defending Class AA state champions Naperville Central a one-point lead over Peoria Richwoods with just over 5 minutes left. Then there’s Lauren Grochowski.
“She saved my butt,” Parker said.
Grochowski, a 5-foot-11-inch sophomore, certainly saved the No. 1 team in the state from having to go home early with a steal and basket in the last minute that helped the Redhawks survive with a 61-53 quarterfinal victory at Redbird Arena. They will face Marian Catholic at 12:45 p.m. Saturday.
The 6-3 Parker carried the Redhawks (31-2) by scoring 33 points in the first three quarters. But they trailed 45-43 going into the fourth. “Walking out in the fourth quarter, I told them Naperville Central has heart and this is the time to show it,” Parker said.
Kristin Chaffee’s layup with 6:53 left gave Richwoods (28-8), a sixth seed in its sectional, a 47-43 lead. Then came Central’s response.
Carter nailed a three with 5:42 left. Then Crissy scored her first points of the night 35 seconds later for the lead.
Freshman Biannca Ward (15 points) gave the Knights their last lead with 4:28 left, but Carter responded with her second three-pointer to put the Redhawks on top 51-49.
Central was clinging to a 55-53 lead when Parker went to the line for a one-and-one with 45 seconds left. She missed, and Richwoods’ Stephanie Cole got the reboundGrochowski tore it away from her, scored and Central had a bit of breathing room at 57-53.
“I knew we had to get the ball back,” Grochowski said. “I just went for it.”
Parker had 35 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks.
