There are many ways to describe the 2019-20 girls basketball season for Christian Liberty Academy.
First, there’s the 29-4 record, which included a 28-game winning streak. Or perhaps the focus should be on the undefeated Northeastern Athletic Conference championship, then winning a Class 1A regional title at home. The Chargers also won a sectional tournament game for the first time in program history.
“They far exceeded my expectations. It’s really fun to see them do what they’ve been doing,” Christian Liberty coach Steve Rowland said. “They’ve worked hard. It’s all on them.”
The Chargers’ season ended Thursday with a 64-49 loss to Chicago Hope Academy in the Class 1A Collins Academy Sectional final. Christian Liberty fell one game shy of a supersectional appearance.
The Chargers have participated in the IHSA playoffs since 2009. They won their first sectional game Feb. 18, a 58-47 victory against Chicago Richards.
Christian Liberty will have a chance to make some more noise next season, as the entire roster is scheduled to return. Rowland said the key to the Chargers’ success has been their defense.
Christian Liberty allowed an average of 36 points per contest. The team held 11 opponents under 30 points and forced 23 turnovers per game on average.
“From day one, I said to the girls they have to hang their hat on defense,” Rowland said. “You’re going to have days you’re not hitting shots, but playing good defense keeps you in games.”
The last sub-30 game for the Chargers came in the regional final, when Christian Liberty beat Ida Crown 49-29. In the sectional semifinals, Christian Liberty turned a one-point halftime lead into a comfortable victory after limiting Richards to 19 second-half points.
“We’re very active when it comes to defense,” Christian Liberty sophomore guard Melissa Castro said. “Coach always tells us never to take a break on defense. It’s about trusting each other.”
Castro and sophomore Julia Wolke both scored 15 points in the sectional semifinal, and Castro had a team-high 14 points in the sectional final. Her teammates come from all over Chicago’s north and northwest suburbs.
Castro hails from Wheeling, while sophomore Julia Wolke is from Des Plaines. Sophomore Audrey Law resides in Arlington Heights. Megan Ng, a junior, and Hannah Mindak, a sophomore, are from Skokie and Schiller Park, respectively.
Rowland credited everyone for their defensive intensity and execution, but he singled out Ng and Castro.
“Megan calls the defense on the floor. She has probably the highest basketball IQ of anyone on the court,” Rowland said. “Castro has the quickness, a track star. Once someone she guards gives up the ball, she won’t let her touch the ball again.”
“Our team turns defense into offense,” said Ng, who averaged 5.1 assists per game. “When we’re able to get stops, we can get quick baskets.”
Last season, the Chargers were 15-10, and with no seniors entering this year, they accomplished quite a feat. Rowland said Christian Liberty played with heart and focused on stopping the ball.
“It’s an amazing group of talented girls,” Ng said. “It’s been really, really fun.”
Mark Perlman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
