Glenbard South Dominates West Chicago, Secures Ninth Straight Win

Glenbard South showcased their dominance on December 14, 2023, by defeating West Chicago 69-28 in an Upstate Eight Conference matchup. The Raiders jumped to an impressive start, scoring a remarkable 31 points in the first quarter, marking their ninth consecutive victory this season.

The standout performers for Glenbard South included Jamie Mizwicki, who led all scorers with 14 points, and Rheayanna Ferguson, contributing 13 points. Their offensive prowess set the tone early, with balanced scoring from teammates, including Julia Alcala with 11 points and Callie Hardtke adding nine points.

Ferguson, a senior and point guard, emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving this victory. “(This win) shows that we’re a team that works together,” she stated. She also noted her evolving leadership role, saying, “I’m trying to be more vocal this year… helping my team get going.”

The Raiders’ bench proved to be a significant asset as well, outscoring West Chicago’s bench 22-8. Freshman guard Jordan Bailey made a notable impact off the bench with seven points. Initially expected to play junior varsity, Bailey appreciated the team’s unity, stating, “We encourage each other… my goal this year is to help my team get better any way I can.”

For West Chicago, sophomore McKenzie Hanrahan led her team with 12 points, while senior captain Sneha George added six points and six rebounds. Despite the defeat, Hanrahan remained optimistic about the Wildcats’ season, currently standing at 9-4 overall and 4-2 in the league. “What we take out of this game tonight is that we’ll look to see how we can improve,” she said.

Glenbard South’s defensive strategy was evident throughout the game, as they recorded 15 steals, with seven occurring in the first quarter alone. They also dominated the boards, out-rebounding West Chicago 31-15.

Head coach Eric Daca expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “We’ve got a lot of girls who can play this year… whether it’s our first five or the kids coming off the bench, the girls know how to work together.” He highlighted their offensive movement and defensive strategies as key factors in their success.

As the season progresses, Glenbard South continues to build momentum, currently holding a record of 10-2 and a perfect 5-0 in conference play. The Raiders’ cohesive teamwork and strategic execution have positioned them as a formidable force in the league this year.