First round of Girls Basketball Regional action at Plainfield North has the Neuqua Valley Wildcats, who are seeded 13th against the Tigers who hold number 19.
Opening basket of the game, Ashley Ishman hits Claudia Gellegos down low. She hits the power dribble and the basket for Neuqua to take the early lead.
Gellegos is almost unstoppable in the first quarter. She grabs Neuqua’s first five points after draining this three helping her to 9 points on the night.
250 left in one, Plainfield North gets things going. Katelyn Sparlin gets inside and takes the jumper for two points. Tigers trail by 4.
Second quarter play and Ishman racking up her points. She gets the ball in the corner and lands her second three of the night. Neuqua leading 18-8.
Seconds ticking down until the half, Neuqua’s Stephanie Bellis gets her defender deflected and then she drains the triple from the corner. Wildcats lead 24-8 at the break.
Plainfield North coming out with force in the third. Natalie Bearbower gets through traffic for the put in. Tigers down by 16.
North trying to save the ball near the line… throws it directly to Neuqua’s Jada Devine for 2 points. Neuqua dominating 31-12.
Third quarter winding down and Neuqua continuing to keep the tempo up. Sophia Medina in transition sends a long pass to Staphanie Bellis who lays it in. 33-12 at the end of 3.
Opening minute of the fourth and a lot of the same from Neuqua… pushing down court until Ellie Wisner gets the ball handed to her. She does the rest, landing the triple. 5 points on the night for the sophomore.
Plainfield North making a surge in the final stanza. Natalie Bearbower keeps the hopes alive by draining a three with 4 minutes to play.
But Neuqua’s dominate defense would be too much for the tigers… Sophia Medinas layup is the final basket of the game as wildcats advance to play Joliet Central on Wednesday.
