Schmitt and Lyon lead NT over Morgan Park
By Drake Skleba
Junior Abbey Schmitt and super-sophomore Maggie Lyon led No. 14 New Trier to a 68-51 victory over No. 15 Morgan Park. Schmitt recorded a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Lyon totalled all of her 21 points on three pointers, and came a rebound short of her own double double.
"Morgan Park's post player (Ayanna Hardy-Fuller) was very good and I knew I had to play hard and post up well against her," said Schmitt. "We really kept our focus, especially after last night's big victory (over Glenbrook South). It is great to know we can keep our focus for back-to-back games."
Lyon nailed three treys in the first quarter while Schmitt picked up eight points, as the Trevians jumped out to a 21-9 lead. New Trier (18-3) extended its lead to 38-19 at the half.
Schmitt and Lyon each had 15 points at halftime.
"After the loss to Marian Catholic, we really started to play much better," said Lyon. "My shot is definitely back, but it really helps me when the whole team is playing so well. We are running our offense well and are playing very good defense right now."
Morgan Park (17-4) almost played New Trier even in the third quarter. The Lady Mustangs were led by their 6-foot senior Hardy-Fuller, who scored a half a dozen points in the period. However New Trier took a 55-35 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Morgan Park received a lift from sophomore Gabrielle Richmond (13 points, five rebounds), who scored six points in the final stanza. Morgan Park outscored new Trier 16-13 in the final quarter. Hardy-Fuller led the Lady Mustangs with 15 points, and hauled down 10 rebounds.
Morgan Park sophomore guard Kendyl Nunn added 10 points for the Chicago Public League Red-South squad.
New Trier senior guard Molly Quirke had another fine all-around game. The senior point guard scored six points, handed out six assists and hauled down five boards.
"We had a lot of energy this weekend. It was great to pick up these two quality victories," said Quirke. "I just play hard and try to get my teammates good shots. I play very hard on defense and try to do everything I can to help my team win."
New Trier head coach Teri Rodgers was pleased.
"Great weekend for us," she said. "Two very good wins over good teams. We really attacked their press and the kids are really learning their roles and running the offense very well.
"Abbey, Maggie and Molly, our leaders once again, had great games. Our bench performed well today and everyone contributed to this victory."
In other McDonald's Classic action, Loyola (12-10) beat Prospect 52-46 behind 21 points by junior Shaquina Scott. Senior Audrey Gaughan added 15 for the Ramblers. Prospect (14-6) faltered after stunning Mid-Suburban League East Division leader Hersey Friday. Sarah Winans' 13 points topped the Knights.
Defending Class A state champ Hinckley-Big Rock scored the first 25 points in the Lady Royals 65-38 win over Oregon-Davis (Ind.). Senior Jenna Thorp scored 22 points for Hinckley-Big Rock. The Lady Royals improved to 19-2 on the season. Oregon-Davis fell to 13-4.
