Prospect’s big first half dooms Stevenson

THE SKINNY

This was a Dundee-Crown Charger Classic second-round game that on paper was expected to be a competitive contest. But the Knights (12-1) led by 10 after the first quarter and 41-14 at the break and were never threatened. Stevenson’s zone defense was nullified by Prospect’s three-point shooting as the Knights made 4-of-7 from beyond the arc in the first half.

TURNING POINT

Last year, Stevenson (8-5) beat Prospect in the first coaching matchup between the Patriots’ Tom Dineen and his former player, Knights coach Ashley Graham. Graham played for Dineen at Buffalo Grove from 2000-04 and served as an assistant to Dineen at Stevenson before becoming Prospect coach. “He’s a great coach who has been extremely successful. I won’t rub it in too much. He beat us last year so we are even now,” Graham said.

THE STAR

Knights junior forward Catherine Sherwood was on fire in the first half, scoring 16 points. She finished with 22 on the night. Junior guard Taylor Will added 18 points for Prospect.

BY THE NUMBERS

Prospect’s biggest lead was 57-22 near the end of the third quarter. Stevenson pulled its starters with five minutes remaining in the game.

QUOTABLE

“She’s (Graham) one of my best friends. She wants to see Stevenson win every time we play, except when we play her.” — Dineen