Even in high-pressure basketball games, Homewood-Flossmoor’s Aunyai Deere finds tranquility.
It’s because the senior guard settles into a comfort zone on the court.
“Basketball brings me peace — it’s like a home away from home,” she said. “It calms me. It soothes me. It’s relaxing.”
Even in big games?
“Big games mean tension,” she said. “But it’s fun.”
Deere had fun in a big game Tuesday night, finishing with 12 points as the host Vikings clinched a share of the SouthWest Suburban Conference title with a 54-42 win over Lockport in Flossmoor.
The 5-foot-8 Deere, who added six rebounds, was a spark in helping H-F (17-9, 12-1) jump out to a 24-6 lead against Lockport (18-9, 9-4), the only conference team to beat the Vikings this winter.
Getting out to a big start in the rematch was a key, according to Deere.
“The first game we played against them, we didn’t start off like we wanted to,” she said of a 49-46 loss on Jan. 10 in Lockport. “We had to start off better in this game, and the start really determined how we would do this game.”
Toniya Brady paced H-F with 13 points and five rebounds, while Clemson volleyball commit Ihuoma Ozoh scored all nine of her points in the second half.
Evelyn Ingram poured in 19 points for defending conference champion Lockport. Addison Way added 10 points. Katie Peetz chipped in with seven rebounds and four blocked shots.
With three conference games remaining, a win by H-F or a loss by Lockport would give the Vikings the title outright. Still, H-F is guaranteed its first title since tying with Bolingbrook for the SouthWest Suburban Blue championship in 2022-23 when the conference had two divisions.
“It’s exciting,” Deere said. “Even though we didn’t win it last year, I knew we could win it this year. Our team has all the pieces and we have been working together.
“I feel like this is a team that can go to state.”
Deere’s versatility has been on display all season. She credited coach Anthony Smith for putting her in different positions to succeed and for being able to showcase her variety of skills.
“She means a lot to the team,” Smith said of Deere. “She put her time in and worked hard. She’s always here and never misses games. She’s a tough kid and doesn’t get injured, knock on wood.
“She’s a kid who plays hard and has been committed to our program for the last four years, which I’m proud of. She’s the engine that makes it go.”
Ozoh also enjoys having Deere on her side.
“She’s a good leader,” Ozoh said of Deere. “You can always depend on her a lot to score and make some free throws. She talks a lot and gives us pieces of advice.”
Smith confirmed that Deere hopes to latch onto a Division I school for college. Deere pointed out that she has been in contact with colleges but is keeping her options open.
She wants to major in kinesiology.
“I want to help athletes even when I’m done playing basketball,” Deere said.
For now, she’s looking to guide her teammates in going far this season. To move that process along, she worked hard during the offseason to get stronger.
“I got in shape,” Deere said. “I got into the gym and tried to find different ways to finish and score.”
Deere also knows H-F has several players who can score and that’s what could make the Vikings dangerous down the line with the postseason around the corner.
“If you stop one of us, there is always someone else who can step up,” she said.
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
