Joliet West uses big third quarter to secure victory over Joliet Central

JOLIET - When Joliet West and Joliet Central meet in any sport, you can always throw out the records in this rivalry. But Tuesday night both girls basketball teams came in with identical Southwest Prairie Conference and overall records in this young season.

West (3-1, 3-0 SPC) finally took control in the third quarter, as it scored 17 points in the period after only scoring 18 in the first half to win, 49-36.

With her team holding an 18-17 lead heading to the third quarter, junior Grace Walsh scored eight of her 16 points in the quarter and sophomore Lisa Thompson added five of her 16 total points as the Tigers made the most of every opportunity the Steelmen gave them.

“In the first half we really couldn’t get many shots to fall,” West coach John Placher said. “At halftime we talked about a few things, about getting good looks and reminding them that their shots will go down. The first half we looked like we were playing with concrete in our shoes, but then we came out in the third quarter, sped the game up a little and things went our way.

“When you don’t shoot well, your confidence isn’t there, then the shots started falling and our confidence went way up. Tonight was a very good win against a good Central team.”

Central (2-2, 2-1) had trouble with turnovers. The Steelmen committed 22 on the night and had at least five in every quarter.

“Turnovers and boxing out were our downfall tonight,” Central coach Laura Brumfiel said. “They took advantage of our mistakes. It’s all about the little things, we were in it and just couldn’t get over the hump.”

Central took a 5-2 early first-quarter lead, but then didn’t score again until 57 seconds remained in the quarter on a basket by Kameryn Tillman. The first quarter ended with West up, 10-7. The Steelmen only hit two field goals in the second quarter but hit five straight free throws and only trailed by one entering the pivotal third quarter.

Central senior Jalysa Stokes led all scorers with 17 points and also grabbed five rebounds. Central outrebounded West, 29-24, as five Central players had at least four rebounds.

“The kids are working hard,” Brumfiel said. “We are so fortunate to be playing, and it’s been quick to try and get everyone playing together on the floor.

Placher was happy with the play of senior Maliyah Walker, who contributed five points and five rebounds.

“Maliyah has come so far since she started playing basketball for us, and she is one of our leaders,” Placher said.

“This season means so much for me because it is my last, and I just want to show everyone who I am and that I can be a leader,” Walker said. “Scoring points don’t matter to me, I like doing all the little things and being a leader on the team. Winning as a team is what I care the most about.”