Joliet Catholic beats Minooka for 1st win of season

Series of scoring runs help Angels

JOLIET - Joliet Catholic Academy used three quarter-ending runs Monday night to secure its first win of the season, beating Minooka, 66-43.

The Angels (1-4) used an 11-0 run over the final 3:10 of the first quarter to take a 15-10 lead, then in the last 1:31 of the second quarter they outscored the Indians 9-0 to go up, 33-24, at the break. Then the game-ending run was over the final 4 minutes of the third quarter, as the Angels outscored Minooka (2-4), 16-2, to seal the victory.

“Getting our first win feels tremendous,” JCA coach Jim O’Brien said. “Tonight was a physical game, and we couldn’t hit many free throws in the first half but each of the runs we made at the end of quarters were absolutely huge.”

“Tonight was a very physical game, and I really like they way we played in the third quarter. I’m proud of our team and the effort. We have played a very tough schedule and it would be easy to just give up. Give Minooka credit, they never gave up and kept cutting into our leads after those runs. But we didn’t flinch and that is a credit to this team. Hopefully we can keep this momentum going because this is a big week for us with Providence Catholic and Marion Central still to come.”

Sophomore Jasmine Brown led the Angels with 17 points but couldn’t hit a shot in the first quarter. But as all great players do, they find a way, as she had five first-quarter assists and always seemed to find an open teammate for the basket. She also picked up her fourth foul with 2:24 left in the third quarter and didn’t return until 6 minutes were left in the game.

“This first win feels great and we finally got it, as we have to close,” Brown said. “When my shot wasn’t going down I knew I had to get my teammates involved. We have shooters, so then it’s my job to find them and they knocked down the shots. My mentality for myself is to drive the ball and try to get layups and that can also open everyone on the team.”

Jenna Hernandez had 11 points and was a key figure with her ability to run the floor and shoot the 3 from anywhere on the floor.

“”I have always liked shooting the 3, but this year I’ve been driving to the basket more,” said Hernandez, a senior. “It feels awesome to finally get our first win and we have been close, and now we just need to build off of this game.”

Alina Schlageter scored 15 for the Angels from all over the floor.

Minooka got a big game from freshman Makenzie Brass who scored 17 points and grabbed four rebounds, and didn’t play like a freshman.

Junior Brianna Simmons finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds for MInooka.