Plano: Girls' basketball drops season opener to Serena

Even though the Plano girls' basketball team lost to Serena, 54-45, in the first game of the 2015-16 season on Monday at Somonauk's Tim Humes Breakout Tournament, head coach John Chernick was not disappointed with the Reapers' effort.

"I was extremely pleased with the effort," Chernick said. "Even though we missed free throws early, didn't convert on several breakaway layups and had defensive lapses. I told the girls those are all things that we can fix. (Serena was) taller than us at every position, but we were able to rebound well, handled their size well and made good decisions. I just wish we were on the winning side of things."

Plano and Serena traded turns with the lead throughout the first half. The game was tied three times in the second quarter before the Huskers closed out the second quarter with a 26-23 halftime advantage.

Serena led by as much as 15 points in the second half and outscored Plano 15-6 in the third quarter for the 41-29 advantage entering the final frame.

The Reapers got as close as seven points with around four minutes left in the game and ended up outscoring the Huskers 16-13 in the fourth quarter.

"To Serena's credit, they hit their free throws to keep us at bay," Chernick said. "We had two girls foul out, and we just couldn't get any closer (than seven points)."

Senior guard Rylie Loux led Plano with 13 points and four rebounds. Junior Bradi Gann added 12 points and seven rebounds, senior Ashontik Jones scored all eight of her points in the first half and senior Khiyanna Magee tallied eight points.

"I give a lot of credit to the seniors out there who showed poise and leadership," Chernick said. "They really made an effort to make the game theirs."

Serena was led by Lexi Grogan (21 points), Maddi Kelley (13 points) and Mozelle Kempiak (10 points).

Plano will resume tournament action against Hinckley-Big Rock, Newark and Somonauk before starting Interstate Eight Conference action at home on Nov. 30 against Peotone.