Sweet-shooting Aubrey Lamberti, Oswego East start fast, roll past Oswego to ninth straight win

OSWEGO – Aubrey Lamberti has a diverse skill set, and basketball in the DNA, but her shooting stands out when watching the 5-foot-9 Oswego East junior.

“I think my shot is one of my strengths,” Lamberti said. “It helps to have teammates that can drive and kick.”

Lamberti showcased her full game Wednesday, not the least of which was her shooting.

She hit five of Oswego East’s nine 3-pointers, and scored nine of her game-high 23 points in the first quarter. The visiting Wolves rode a fast start past Oswego 62-51 to sweep the Southwest Prairie Conference season series and win their ninth straight game.

Lamberti, who who shot 6 of 9 from the field and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line, also had 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Maggie Lewandowski added 16 points, five assists and four steals and Desiree Merritt had 14 points for Oswego East (12-7, 7-3), which led 21-7 after a quarter and by as many as 25 points in the second half.

Lamberti’s first 3-pointer gave the Wolves a 19-7 lead just over six minutes in.

“Warmups, we get a lot of shots there,” Lamberti said. “I felt good there and it continued. Teammates were looking to get me when I was open.”

Lamberti and Lewandowski, teammates for three years, certainly play well off each other.

Lewandowski is a crafty driver and active defensively – she had three steals in the first quarter Wednesday – and complements well the smooth Lamberti, who can run the floor, rebound and score around the basket while featuring the perimeter element.

“Having Aubrey really helps open things up for Maggie more,” Oswego East coach Abe Carretto said. “That helps – and then Maggie attacks more, or Des does.”

Lamberti picks her spots and plays like a girl who knows the game well, which shouldn’t surprise.

Her grandfather, Tom, played collegiately at Beloit and coached at Bartlett. Lamberti’s dad, Steve, played at Augustana and has coached at Plainfield Central.

Little wonder, then, which sport Lamberti gravitated toward.

“I did a couple other sports but I fell in love with basketball right away,” Lamberti said. “My dad has always taught me the right way to play, and how to be a good teammate. That has helped me improve my game.”

Carretto loves having a girl around who knows the game, and can play it. Lamberti scored 33 points in a game earlier this season.

“The girl can play,” he said. “The nice thing is she didn’t hesitate on a lot of those shots. She does a little inside, she’s good passing and really I thought we played well defensively, full court and half court. Nice to see her get rolling.”

Indeed, Oswego East had its transition game rolling early, forcing seven Oswego turnovers in the first quarter. Lamberti, Lewandowski and Merritt combined for 20 points in the first quarter as the Wolves won their eighth straight crosstown meeting.

“One of the things we practice all the time is transition,” Lamberti said. “Our coach stresses pushing us and turning teams over.”

Kendall Grant scored 18, including 16 in the second half, Ashley Cook 15 on five 3-pointers and Maggie Voller 11 for Oswego (10-12, 3-7).

Oswego East needed a Lillie Van Dyke 3-pointer to beat Oswego 58-56 less than two weeks ago in the first meeting, and Panthers coach Dave Lay thought his team was poised to get a crosstown win.

It never materialized, with a rough first quarter and Grant sitting the whole second with two fouls and a technical.

A late run was no consolation to Lay.

“Too little, too late. That last five minutes was how we should have played the whole game,” Lay said. “We did not come to compete tonight and I don’t know why. They do a lot of nice things. They were hitting shots and we weren’t. The score looks better than it was.”