THE SKINNY
Two-time Class 3A state tournament runner-up Vernon Hills (5-0) began each of its past two seasons by winning its home tournament. Things were no different this year, as the Cougars swept all five games and finished in decisive fashion by crushing the Spartans (0-5).
TURNING POINT
Vernon Hills scored the game’s first 19 points, with 10 coming from senior Sydney Smith. Glenbrook North didn’t get on the board until junior guard Bari Mueller drained a jumper to make it 19-2 with 35 seconds left in the opening quarter. The Cougars led 35-6 at halftime and 56-11 after the third quarter.
THE STAR
Smith. With senior Lauren Webb — who Vernon Hills coach Paul Brettner said has a small fracture in her right foot — not expected back until December, Smith will be asked to take on more of the scoring load. She did Tuesday, finishing with 26 points on 11-of-12 shooting while sitting out the entire fourth quarter. Junior forward Katie Brettman added 16 points for the Cougars. Junior guard Haley Lieberman ran the point very effectively in Webb’s absence.
BY THE NUMBERS
For the game, Vernon Hills shot 25-of-43, a shooting percentage of 58.
QUOTABLE
“Some of the stuff we always want to make sure works is defense, ball movement and offensive and defensive transition. Some looked good but there are a couple of things we have to work on.” — Brettner
