The “IHSA Girls Basketball State Champions’’ maps that hang on the wall in the Bolingbrook gymnasium represent the Raiders’ recent dominance in Illinois.
The Raiders’ 68-25 victory Thursday night over Lockport reaffirms No. 5 Bolingbrook will be tough to beat for the rest of the SouthWest Suburban Blue members.
“They’re very athletic and they’re deep on their bench,’’ Lockport coach Krista Peterson said. “That’s hard to compete with unless you’ve got the same type of intensity levels in every player on the bench.’’
Nine players scored for Bolingbrook (7-2, 3-0), led by Aysia Bugg and Kamari Jordan with 12 points each and Amarah Coleman with 11 points. Kristen Moore contributed nine points and eight rebounds while Lexi Smith scored 10 points in the fourth quarter off the bench.
“We definitely think every girl on the team can play, but I’ve got to do a better job as a coach of finding the ones who are ready to go right away,’’ Bolingbrook coach Tony Smith said.
Lockport (4-4, 1-2) actually led 5-3 midway through the first quarter on a drive to the basket by Naomi Mayes.
“We thought Lockport came out and played hard, their kids gave great effort,’’ Smith said. “They came out like they were the team that was (top) ranked.’’
“I thought we came out strong, and we were tough on defense,’’ Peterson said. “Bolingbrook always picks up the defensive pressure and intensity, which you either have to match or take better care of the ball.’’
Lockport had 16 first-half turnovers, which contributed to Bolingbrook going on a 27-6 run to finish the half with a 30-11 lead.
Bolingbrook put the game out of reach in the third quarter, outscoring Lockport 24-4. Jordan hit two three-pointers in the quarter, and the Raiders also were 6-of-6 from the free-throw line in the period.
Anna Novak led Lockport with eight points.
“They rely a lot on their defense,’’ Peterson said. “Their points come off of turnovers and rebounds. You’ve got to win that battle and that’s where we struggled tonight.’’
