HAMPSHIRE – Trailing Hampshire 13-4 midway through the first quarter, visiting Huntley settled down and outscored the host Whip-Purs 58-30 during the final 28 minutes to post a 62-43 Fox Valley Conference win Friday night.
“Give Hampshire a lot of credit,” Huntley coach Steve Raethz said. “They came out strong and got a lot of transition baskets early. We didn’t match their intensity to start the game. We kept our poise and had better gap discipline on defense. I am proud of our 13 players.”
Converting on 6-of-8 shots in the first quarter, upset-minded Hampshire (0-6, 0-6) led the Red Raiders (5-1, 5-1) 18-10 after 8 minutes. Ceilli Ramirez spearheaded Hampshire’s attack in the first quarter with 10 points.
“It was fun to watch us play tonight,” said Hampshire assistant coach Michelle Bannerman, subbing for head coach Eric Samuelson. “We came out and played together, attacked and were aggressive.”
The Red Raiders mounted their comeback in the second quarter courtesy of Jessica Ozzauto.
Ozzauto canned a pair of 3-pointers and scored 15 points as Huntley seized control. Outscoring Hampshire 24-11, the Raiders held a 34-29 advantage at intermission.
“We responded well after a slow start,” Ozzauto said. “I was able to get to my spot and make some 3s.”
Raethz praised Ozzauto’s contribution.
“Jessica really hit some big buckets,” Raethz said. “Jessica helped us get some momentum in the second quarter.”
Huntley squashed any hope Hampshire had for a comeback to start the third quarter with a 13-1 run. Jori Heard scored six points and Ozzauto tallied five, including her third 3 of the game as the Raiders extended a 5-point lead to 47-30.
Huntley’s biggest lead was 60-36 with 1:26 left after a layup from Carley Faulkner.
Heard paced the Raiders with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Ozzauto added 14 with three treys and Faulkner added 12.
“Huntley is a great team that is well coached and well prepared,” Bannerman said. “They have great athletes and great senior leadership.”
Jessica Dumoulin paced the Whip-Purs with 14 points, three assists and five rebounds.
“Jessica gives us great senior leadership,” Bannerman said. “She gives us leadership on offense and defense. She is willing to take the charge.”
Ramirez added 13 for Hampshire.