Game #1: Monday, Nov. 13th @ Home

D. Smith Leads Trojans To First Win

CG - 55       Rockford Guilford - 42      Record: 1 - 0  (0 - 0)

Junior Danielle Smith showed why she is one of the area's top players Monday night by scoring 25 points, 17 in the second half, to help her team to a non-conference win against a very athletic Rockford Guilford squad.  The Vikings struggled offensively in the first half thanks to the Trojans' stifling zone defenses, defenses that carried CG into the locker room at the half with a 20-10 lead.  However, the second half was a different story as the Vikings solved the zone riddle and used their athleticism to penetrate Cary-Grove's zones at will at times.  On the night, both teams scored 30 of their points in the paint.  The Trojans missed many opportunities to score inside and the game ended up being closer than it may have had to be.  But, the first game jitters aside, CG had a strong outing and will prepare for their next opponent, St. Viator, whom they will play on Friday night at 5:30 in the Dundee-Crown Thanksgiving Tournament.  Aiding Smith in this victory were Jill Cole with 9 points, Tricia Mitz with 8, Laura Roth with 6, and Jamie Kuhl with 5.  Smith also connected on a 3-pointer.

Game #2: Friday, Nov. 17th @ DC Thanksgiving Tourney

Trojans Suffer First Loss

CG - 50       St. Viator - 53      Record: 1 - 1   (0 - 0)

In a battle that went down to the wire and produced 8 lead changes and 7 ties, the lady Trojans failed to hang on to the ball at the end of the game and suffered their first defeat in the process.  St. Viator came out firing from 3-point land from the tip-off with many of those 3's coming from well beyond the arc.  Cary-Grove employed its zone defenses to try to disrupt the flow of the Lions' offense and kept the contest close throughout the first half.  The Trojans lead 9-6 after one frame but headed into the locker room at halftime trailing 23-19.  In the second half CG soon discovered that its man defense was the way to combat the barrage of shooting by the Lions.  Jamie Kuhl, who ended up with a game high 20 points, started to have her way inside against the porous St. Viator defense.  Brilliant passing by Tricia Mitz and Laura Roth, 5 and 4 assists respectively, aided Kuhl in her onslaught.  At the end of three quarters of play, the teams were knotted at 35 which made for a dazzling final period.  The lead changed hands many times before the buzzer ended the game and St. Viator emerged the victor.  Cary-Grove had its chances to win the contest but failed to hang on to the ball in the waning moments.  CG shot only 50% from the foul line (5-10) while the Lions connected on 13 of 18.  Danielle Smith scored 10 points and Jill Cole 8 (including two 3-pointers) in the loss.  Next up for the Trojans is a tough, state-ranked Hononegah team on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 at DC.

Game #3: Saturday, Nov. 18th @ DC Thanksgiving Tourney

Trojans Fall To Indians

CG - 33        Hononegah - 63      Record: 1 - 2   (0 - 0)

Hononegah came into the contest against Cary-Grove ranked number 14 in the pre-season state polls and proved to be a formidable opponent worthy of this ranking.  Loaded with shooters, one of which is Courtney Weibel who will attend Marquette next season to play ball, and plenty of other scoring threats, the Trojans had a tough time slowing down their motion offense.  CG had to decide on a game plan and needed to execute it to perfection.  They decided to focus on Weibel and her counterpart, point guard Courtney Shelton.  Danielle Smith was assigned Weibel and did a tremendous job stopping her and holding her to only 3 points, well below her per game average.  Unfortunately, Shelton and two of her teammates took over the scoring and led their team to victory.  Things looked hopeful for the Trojans in the first half.  After a rough first quarter which ended with the Indians leading 20-6, Cary-Grove found its shooting rhythm and put up 21 second quarter points to head into the intermission only down 40-27.  However, the shooting touch left the Trojans in the second half as they managed only 6 total points.  Jill Cole lead her squad with 11 points which included a 3-pointer; Danielle Smith netted 10 which included 2 three's.  Next up for the Trojans is Streamwood Monday night at 7 P.M. at DC.

Game #4: Monday, Nov. 20th @ DC Thanksgiving Tourney

Trojans Stomp Streamwood

CG - 51        Streamwood - 30      Record: 2 - 2   (0 - 0)

In their third game of the Dundee-Crown Thanksgiving Tournament, the Cary-Grove Trojans faced the Streamwood Sabres and, at least in the second half, found their rhythm and pulled away with an easy victory.  The first half was a curious one that saw the Trojans and the Sabres struggle to score baskets of any sort.  The initial frame ended in a 6-5 lead for CG while the half halted at 17-9 CG.  Inspired in the second half after the frustrating opening 16 minutes, Cary-Grove came out to play their brand of basketball.  They pressed full-court and caused many turnovers which propelled them to a lead of as much as 25 at times. The third frame proved to be their most productive as they netted 20 points and cruised to a 37-17 margin.  Jill Cole lead the team with 14 points, 2 of 2 from 3-point land, with 6 big rebounds.  Danielle Smith and Jamie Kuhl chipped in 11 and 10 points respectively.  Smith connected on a three of her own.  Tricia Mitz and Breanna Smith also helped with 7 and 4 points with Mitz grabbing 5 rebounds and Smith 6.  The team shot nearly 50% from the floor and 44% (4-9) from beyond the arc.  Cary-Grove will finish the tournament Wednesday night against a very good Palatine team at 7:00.

Game #5: Wednesday, Nov. 22nd @ DC Thanksgiving Tourney

Pirates Beat Trojans

CG - 34        Palatine - 42      Record: 2 - 3   (0 - 0)

The holiday tournament ended Wednesday night with Hononegah going 4-0 and Palatine, with a win over the Trojans, also going 4-0.  Hononegah, state-ranked and hard to beat, cruised to their 4-0 record and won the tourney based on the points system of scoring.  The Cary-Grove Trojans' last game proved to be a very difficult one due to their inability to get the ball inside to their post players.  Jamie Kuhl, Tricia Mitz, and Jill Cole combined to take 5 shots and only accumulated 5 points all night.  Turnovers proved to be costly for the Trojans again as Palatine took advantage of CG's ball handling woes forcing at least 20 miscues.  Cary-Grove did, however, play outstanding defense, particularly in the first half, holding the Pirates to only 18 points in 16 minutes.  Unfortunately, the Trojans only managed 11 of their own during that time.  Their scoring difficulties continued in the second half as they found themselves down 29-17 after three periods.  CG couldn't get anything going inside and lost the battle of the boards as well.  Leading the way for the Trojans was Danielle Smith with 12 points, her sister Breanna with 9, and Sheila Moloney with 5.  The lady Trojans are keeping their heads up because they know this tournament offered a little of everything which will only make them better and stronger when the conference season begins.  One more test is on the horizon before they meet up with their former conference foes who reside in the other division of the Fox Valley; Resurrection is coming to town on Tuesday, Nov. 28th at 7:30 P.M., and they are also state-ranked, some polls say in the top 10.

Game #6: Tuesday, Nov. 28th @ Home

Trojans Click; Bandits Win

CG - 34        Resurrection - 39      Record: 2 - 4   (0 - 0)

On paper the Cary-Grove Trojans weren't supposed to have a chance.  On the court Tuesday night, they proved otherwise.  Highly-touted and #11 in the state at this time, the Resurrection Bandits posed a formidable challenge to the Trojans who have not been playing well as of late.  The Bandits just came off of a tough loss to Fenwick, the #1 ranked team in the state.  In fact, they had Fenwick down 10 in the fourth quarter before succumbing to a 4 point loss.  So, they were looking to show the Trojans what they were all about and why they were ranked so high.  However, it was the Trojans who did the showing and played their game and kept it close throughout.  After one hard-fought period of play, CG led 8-7.  At the midway point, it was CG up 15-11.  Resurrection's high-powered offense was stalled and the lady Trojans knew they had them on the ropes.  At the end of the third frame, it was knotted at 25.  Both teams battled valiantly in the final 8 minutes and provided a game for the ages for the fans.  The Trojans' success came in part because of their tenacious defense and communication.  No scorers hit double-figures in this balanced attack displayed by CG.  Jamie Kuhl led the way with 8 points and 11 huge rebounds followed by Danielle Smith and Tricia Mitz, each with 7 points and 3 and 6 boards respectively.  Sophomore Tori Sandstrom contributed in a big way as well grabbing 9 rebounds of her own.  Now that phase one of the "pre-season" is over, the Trojans will meet up with the teams in the Fox Division of the FVC Conference (all non-conference games) before starting their own conference schedule in January.  So, next up is Grayslake Central at Grayslake on Saturday night at 7:00 P.M.

Game #7: Saturday, Dec. 2nd @ Grayslake Central

Rams Out-Run Trojans

CG - 60        Grayslake Central- 68     Record: 2 - 5   (0 - 0)

Offense was the name of the game on Saturday night in Grayslake for both teams.  Defense, on the other hand, was a struggle.  The Trojans out-rebounded the Rams 36-27, out-scored them at the charity stripe hitting 24 of 37 to their 22 of 37, and connected on 6 three-pointers to their 2.  Unfortunately, CG could not stop the fastbreak attack of Grayslake as they scored 32 points in the paint, mostly off of the transition game.  The Trojans certainly got their opportunities to score, including many chances inside just like the Rams, with a total of 52 shots, but they failed to successfully convert time and time again.  For the game CG shot 29% to Grayslake's 47% and that spelled disaster.  The Trojans also committed 28 turnovers, although they forced 23 for the Rams as well.  Grayslake's points in the paint, scoring from bench players, and high shooting percentage led to their victory.  Cary-Grove was led by Jill Cole with 13 points, including 3 three's, and 4 rebounds.  Danielle Smith followed her with a difficult-to-get 12 points, 7 of those coming from the foul line.  Next was Tricia Mitz who scored 11 points and grabbed 10 big rebounds.  Jamie Kuhl chipped in with 9 points and 9 rebounds while Christine LoSchiavo connected for 2 three's to get 6 points.  Though their record doesn't indicate it, Cary-Grove is a very good team.  The Trojans will reload for a home contest this Wednesday against Prairie Ridge at 7:00 P.M.

Game #8: Wednesday, Dec. 6th @ Home

Trojans Stymie Wolves

CG - 44        Prairie Ridge - 31      Record: 3 - 5   (0 - 0)

The Trojans were very efficient on offense Wednesday night hitting 17 of 31 shots for 55% while holding the Wolves to just 9 of 57 for 16%.  Neither team was successful from the three-point line; CG was 0 for 5 while PR was 0 for 18.  The foul line proved to be a plus for the Wolves as they connected on 13 of 16 while the Trojans hit just 10 of 22.  Cary-Grove jumped out to a 13-6 first quarter lead and went to the locker room up 19-12 at halftime.  Building on their lead, the Trojans ended the third frame ahead 35-23.  Although the Wolves battled back to within 6 in the fourth quarter, CG hung in there and pulled away for the victory.  Leading the way for the Trojans was Danielle Smith with 12 points and 3 assists.  Jill Cole added 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.  Tricia Mitz also helped out in a big way by scoring 6 points and pulling down 8 rebounds.  Jamie Kuhl did her part as well scoring 4 points and hauling in 13 boards.  Christine LoSchiavo, starting her first game as a varsity Trojan, directed traffic and came up with 3 big steals to help the cause.  Next up for the ladies is Grayslake North on Friday night at Grayslake.  Game time is 7:00 P.M.

Game #9: Friday, Dec. 8th @ Grayslake North

Trojans Turn Out Friday Knights' Lights

CG - 57        Grayslake North - 31      Record: 4 - 5   (0 - 0)

After eleven minutes of basketball on Friday night, the Cary-Grove Trojans had built a 35-6 lead against the Grayslake North Knights and effectively ended the contest at that point.  With incredible full-court pressure and the reading of their opponents' eyes, the Trojans stole pass after pass and converted quickly on their end just to set up the press and do it all over again.  The fledgling Knights did not back down and battled valiantly the rest of the game to send a message to the league that they will keep playing and working hard to become a formidable adversary someday.  However, this night belonged to Cary-Grove.  Thanks to the heat put on all over the court, the Trojans led 17-4 after one period and 34-13 at the half.  The reserves saw a lot of action in the second half and helped build a 49-23 bulge after three frames and the rest was history.  For the evening CG shot 16 of 18 from the foul line which was a sight for sore eyes after struggling to shoot 60% for the season so far.  Danielle Smith turned in another stellar performance netting 20 points, 14 of those in the first half, and hitting 4 of 4 from the charity stripe.  Jill Cole, a frequent visitor to the high-scoring column did her part by converting 2 of 2 from the foul line and totaling 12 points for the game.  Sophomore Tori Sandstrom was next with 7 points of her own.  The upcoming week will provide the Trojans with two very good tests.  First, on Tuesday night at home, they face an undefeated Huntley team at 7:00 P.M.  Then, on Friday night away from home, they lock horns with top 20, state-ranked Johnsburg at 7:00 P.M.  Don't miss these games!

Game #10: Tuesday, Dec. 12th @ Home

Red Raiders Topple Trojans In OT

CG - 45        Huntley - 53      Record: 4 - 6   (0 - 0)

Despite an admirable effort late in the game from the Trojans, the Red Raiders of Huntley, now 9-0, kept their perfect record in tact by outscoring Cary-Grove 10-2 in the extra frame Tuesday night.  Leading most of the game until midway in the fourth quarter, Huntley used its full court pressure to create problems for CG.  However, the Trojans actually forced more turnovers than the Red Raiders and that kept them close down the stretch.  Huntley jumped out to a quick 12-0 lead before Cary-Grove got anything going.  By halftime the score was 21-13 Red Raiders.  The Northwest Herald picked this game as a "can't miss" contest for the evening and it couldn't have been more right.  After three periods of play, Huntley clung to a lead of 31-26, but CG was just getting warmed up.  Still leading by 4 late in the final frame, Huntley watched as CG found a way to tie it up at the end of regulation.  Unfortunately for the Trojans, the overtime session went to the Red Raiders and the victory was theirs.  Danielle Smith lead all scorers with 23 points adding 2 assists and 5 steals.  Her sister Breanna scored 4 points and grabbed 9 rebounds coming off the bench.  Jill Cole tallied 7 points while picking up 4 rebounds and Tricia Mitz chipped in 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists of her own.  Jamie Kuhl also contributed 6 points.  The Trojans must keep their heads up as they travel to Johnsburg Friday night to play another top 20 team.  With the conference schedule just around the corner, Cary-Grove knows it needs to continue battling and improving to make a run at the crown. 

Game #11: Friday, Dec. 15th @ Johnsburg

Trojans Battle But Lose To #24 Skyhawks

CG - 39        Johnsburg - 57      Record: 4 - 7   (0 - 0)

The Cary-Grove Trojans fought fiercely all game long in this match-up with the twenty-fourth ranked team in the state, but lost the battle of the boards and eventually the game.  Stopping Johnsburg's three-headed monster was the focus of CG's defensive game plan and for the first quarter and a half, everything went according to plan.  Cary-Grove succeeded on both ends of the court and led at the end of one period 13-12.  The beginning of the second frame went well too as the Trojans built their lead to 22-17 midway through but then ran into foul trouble from that point on resulting in Johnsburg ending the quarter with a 13-1 run to lead 30-23 at the intermission.  The Skyhawks got things rolling in the second half and won the crucial war of the glass to take the victory.  Cary-Grove was out-rebounded 43-23.   Jamie Kuhl led all CG scorers with 10 followed by Danielle Smith with 9.  Jill Cole also added 7.  Next up for the Trojans will be Chicago North at the McHenry Holiday Tournament which commences on Wednesday night.  Game time is 6:30 in the main gym at McHenry West High School.  The Trojans are the defending champions who went 5-0 last year producing three all-tournament players including the tournament MVP.

Game #12: Wednesday, Dec. 20th @ McHenry Holiday Tournament

Cold 1st Keeps Trojans From Victory

CG - 53        North Chicago- 65      Record: 4 - 8   (0 - 0)

Seventeen to two.  That was the obstacle Cary-Grove had to overcome in first round action at the McHenry Holiday Tournament against Chicago North on Wednesday night.  Down 15 after one frame and unable to score a basket until a little over a minute into the second quarter, the outlook seemed dismal for the Trojans.  But, after trailing 35-17 at the half, CG found its rhythm and its offense and outscored the Warhawks 36-30 in the second half.  Unfortunately for the Trojans, it was too late and the halftime lead proved to be insurmountable.  Chicago North's athleticism, size, and leaping ability were just too much for CG to handle at times, but they never gave up and will never give up.  Cary-Grove hit 15 of 24 free throws and six 3-pointers (3 by Danielle Smith, 2 by Jill Cole, and 1 by Laura Roth) in its admirable attempt to come back and win.  Danielle Smith led all scorers for CG with 15 points while her sister added 9.  Jill Cole, who was battling the stomach flu, found a way to help, as did Tori Sandstrom, with 8 points apiece.  Jamie Kuhl also scored 5 points while Tricia Mitz and Laura Roth rounded out the scoring, each with 4 points of their own.  Next up for the ladies is South Elgin at 1:00 P.M. on Dec. 21st, at McHenry West High School in Buckner Gymnasium.  Later that day at 6:30 in the main gym they face Rockford Jefferson.

Game #13: Thursday, Dec. 21st @ McHenry Holiday Tournament

Trojans' Thunderous Attack Too Much For Storm

CG - 60        South Elgin - 24      Record: 5 - 8   (0 - 0)

Cary-Grove came out of the gate firing on Thursday afternoon connecting on 8 of 15 first quarter shots and forcing 7 South Elgin turnovers to jump to a 16-3 advantage by the end of the period.  Though the shooting percentage declined in the second frame, Cary-Grove still managed to head into the locker room at halftime up 29-12.  The Trojans remained rather cold in the third stanza only outscoring the Storm 10-8 yet building their lead to 39-20.  However, the final session of play belonged solely to the Trojans who blasted the Storm 21-4 thanks to the hot inside-outside shooting display which was a sight to behold.  Jill Cole, who left the game with a bad ankle sprain, led the attack with 12 points and 2 rebounds.  Danielle Smith finished with 11 points and 6 steals while Breanna Smith contributed 7 points as well.  Jamie Kuhl and Tricia Phelps each scored 9 points to help the cause.  Phelps hit three of the team's six 3-pointers on the day.  Later today the Trojans hook up with the J-Hawks of Rockford Jefferson, a team with little height but a lot of speed and heart. 

Game #14: Thursday, Dec. 21st @ McHenry Holiday Tournament

As Kuhl As The Other Side Of The Pillow

CG - 56        Rockford Jefferson - 55      Record: 6 - 8   (0 - 0)

The Trojans persevered through injuries, illness, and dehydration Thursday night and walked, well, limped away with a win thanks in large part to Jamie Kuhl, their six-foot center, who had her way with the J-Hawk defense scoring a career-high 30 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and blocking 3 shots.  The offensive philosophy was simple; they had no one over 5'6" tall so give it to your post and let her score.  This proved especially crucial after losing Jill Cole, another scoring threat, to an ankle injury earlier in the day and losing the best shooter on the team, Danielle Smith, at halftime due to a fainting spell as a result of dehydration.  But, as great teams always do, the bench players picked up the slack and found a way to win.  Kuhl became the main focus on offense and she delivered.  Everything she tossed up seemed to find its way into the basket as she shot an amazing 14-20 from the field, 7 of 8 for 14 points in the third quarter.  The game was close after one period with CG leading 13-11.  By the half, the Trojans led 29-20.  It was in the third frame that Cary-Grove, behind Kuhl, took control.  The lead blew to as many as 20 at times, but the J-Hawks would not submit.  They out-scored the weary Trojans in the final quarter 21-11 and had the ball with 1.4 seconds to go down one.  Fortunately for CG, Rockford Jefferson could not get a shot off or draw a foul and the final horn sounded.  Also aiding in the victory were Tricia Mitz and Tricia Phelps.  Mitz scored 6 points, garnered 6 boards, and dished out 4 assists.  Phelps was big off the bench. replacing D. Smith. adding 8 points of her own.  At this point in the season, it doesn't matter how you win, only that you win and find out what kind of players you've got.  Cary-Grove has seen it all this pre-conference schedule and has learned a great deal about winning and losing that will serve them well on January 9th when they open up the conference with Jacobs at home.  Before they get to that point, they must complete tournament play at McHenry on Friday, Dec. 22nd.  First, they meet Rockford East at 4:30 P.M. in Buckner Gymnasium.  Then, they lock horns with a tough Grant team at 8:00 P.M. also in Buckner Gymnasium.

Game #15: Friday, Dec. 22nd @ McHenry Holiday Tournament

CG Waits To Win

CG - 39        Rockford East - 16      Record: 7 - 8   (0 - 0)

The game was supposed to start at 4:30 P.M.  The fans were rolling in, the referees were ready to go, and the Trojans had just finished their warm-up.  But, the opposing team had not yet appeared.  Rockford East, who ended up forfeiting a couple of games earlier, apparently danced to the beat of a different drummer and showed up at 5:15.  So, after deliberating with the coaches about how to keep the tourney on schedule, it was decided that the game would be played with 6 minute quarters instead of 8.  The Trojans did not care what adjustments were made; they came to play and play they did.  It was clear after one period of play that Cary-Grove had a lot of pent up energy to throw at the E-Rabs.  The score stood at 13-0.  By halftime, the Trojans lead 20-6.  At the end of three, the lead grew to 32-9.  Rockford East was used as a tune-up for the game to follow with Grant.  The high scoring honors went to Danielle Smith with 13 followed by Tricia Mitz with 10.  Next up for the Trojans will be tournament champion favorite (and undefeated at 4-0) Grant at 8:00 P.M.  The Bulldogs are a formidable opponent and the Trojans will be without center Jamie Kuhl, who missed both games today due to illness, and Jill Cole, who sprained her ankle yesterday and will be out for a couple of weeks.  Cary-Grove will continue to battle with the remaining 9 players it has.

Game #16: Friday, Dec. 22nd @ McHenry Holiday Tournament

Grant Bulldogs Its Way To Championship

CG - 38       Grant - 61      Record: 7 - 9   (0 - 0)

Cary-Grove ended the holiday tournament with a 3-2 record after losing to tournament champion Grant.  Grant went 5-0 and captured its first title in three years.  With nine players the Trojans fought hard and gave everything they had against this very physical team.  The first quarter was a defensive struggle that ended with Grant leading 8-3 and the Trojans having yet to score a field goal.  At the half the Bulldogs led 26-14.  The goal for CG was to get the lead to 6 or fewer by the end of the third period; the Trojans almost accomplished that goal when they cut the deficit to 7 late in the quarter.  However, Grant surged ahead and started the final frame up 40-26.  The Trojans' attempts to get back into the game failed and the Bulldogs took the victory and the trophy.  CG was led by Danielle Smith with 14 points followed by her cousin Tricia Mitz with 12.  Danielle Smith and Jamie Kuhl were selected for the All-tournament Team.  Cary-Grove will now enjoy the holidays for a while before it gets back to work on the 26th in practice.  When the holidays are over, the Trojans will tune-up for the conference opener with one final non-conference crossover game versus Crystal Lake Central on Thursday, January 4th, at home at 7:00 P.M.

Game #17: Thursday, Jan. 4th @ Home

Trojans Trounce Tigers; Prepare For Conference Opener

CG - 60        Crystal Lake Central - 25      Record: 8 - 9   (0 - 0)

In its final crossover game with the Tigers of Crystal Lake Central, Cary-Grove took control early and never looked back.  With full-court pressure and relentless man defense, the Trojans set the tone for what would prove to be a very long night for the Tigers.  Scoring 38 points in the paint and giving up just 5 field goals was also part of the recipe for success on this night.  CG wanted to make a statement heading into conference play next Tuesday and it did just that.  Tricia Mitz had a big night with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.  Jamie Kuhl added 11 points and 4 rebounds while Tricia Phelps scored 8 points, including two 3's, and dished out 5 assists.  Laura Roth also poured in 6 points, dealt out 6 assists, and swiped 3 steals.  Tori Sandstrom did her job as well contributing 7 points while Breanna Smith helped control the boards with 8 huge rebounds.  For the evening Cary-Grove connected on 54% of its shots, 27 for 50.  The Trojans will have three days to prepare themselves for the conference opener with Jacobs on Tuesday night at home.  Game time is 7:00 P.M.

Game #18: Tuesday, Jan. 9th @ Home

Golden Eagles Outlast Trojans In Conference Opener

CG - 42        Jacobs - 49      Record: 8 - 10   (0 - 1)

Despite stellar performances from Danielle Smith who tallied 19 points and 7 rebounds and Jamie Kuhl with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and a blocked shot, the Cary-Grove Trojans were bested in their first conference game of the season.  It was a frustrating loss considering the fact that CG got 30 shots in the paint at point-blank range.  The Trojans only connected on 14 of those and was held without a 3-point basket as well.  The cumulative stats showed just how even this match-up was. Jacobs committed 29 turnovers, Cary-Grove 28.  Jacobs shot 14 for 44 from the field, Cary-Grove 16 for 46.  Jacobs shot 14 of 21 from the foul line, Cary-Grove 10 of 13.  It was a seesaw battle all the way until the end when Jacobs hit a few free throws to ice the game and take the victory.  After one period of play the score stood 9-6 Jacobs.  At the half it was Cary-Grove 22, Jacobs 20.  Following the third frame it was CG 30, Jacobs 29.  Cary-Grove came out and scored the first 5 points of the 4th quarter to take its biggest lead of the game but could not keep the Golden Eagles at bay.  The Trojans now get ready to play Dundee-Crown at home on Saturday at 2:30 P.M.  This conference is truly up for grabs and CG knows this and will continue to make strides towards their goal of contending for the crown.

Game #19: Saturday, Jan. 13th @ Home

Chargers Nip Trojans In Overtime

CG - 52        Dundee-Crown - 53      Record: 8 - 11   (0 - 2)

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Elroy Fitzgerald Gymnasium, the Cary-Grove Trojans and the Dundee-Crown Chargers played a game that kept the fans on the edges of their seats throughout the contest.  Unfortunately for the host Trojans, it ended in a loss in overtime.  It was one of those games where everyone hated to see either team lose after they both battled so ferociously for 36 minutes, but, one must emerge victorious and the other must graciously take the loss.  The initial period ended as it should have, in a 12-12 tie.  Both teams also stayed even during the second frame which concluded with a 23-23 halftime score.  At the end of three, the Chargers enjoyed a short-lived one point lead, 32-31.  CG made up the deficit quickly by hitting the first two baskets in the fourth, but DC charged back near the end of regulation clinging to a 3 point lead.  The Trojans got the ball in the hands of their best free-throw shooter, Danielle Smith, who got fouled with 3.3 seconds to go, with the score at 43-42 DC, and she stepped to the line with the opportunity to tie the game or win it.  She calmly hit the first but missed the second and the game went to an extra 4 minute quarter.  The Chargers made good in the bonus round by connecting on 6 of 7 free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.  Cary-Grove had many opportunities to win the ball game but the fates wouldn't allow it.  The foul line became the main nemesis as the Trojans only succeeded on 15 of 28 while the Chargers hit 19 of 27.  It's tough to lose a game when your team had fewer turnovers, shot a higher percentage from the floor, and scored more points in the paint, but, the Trojans will learn from it and move on.  Danielle Smith scored a career best 29 points with 2 assists, 1 block, and 6 steals.  Jamie Kuhl chimed in with 10 points and 5 rebounds followed by Tricia Mitz with 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals.  Next up for the ladies is McHenry on Tuesday night at home at 7:00 P.M.

Game #20: Tuesday, Jan. 16th @ Home

Trojans Back On Track; Down Warriors

CG - 52        McHenry - 40      Record: 9 - 11   (1 - 2)

The Trojans knew starting the conference season 0-3 was not an option.  So, they came out strong, focused, and determined in their game with McHenry Tuesday night.  With Crystal Lake South coming to town this Friday night, Cary-Grove wanted to continue to perform at a higher level than the games before and they did.  CG connected on 80% of its free throws and 53% of its shots.  The much-improved Trojans squad led 14-8, 28-17. and 40-28 after each of the first three quarters and cruised the rest of the way for the win.  The return of junior Jill Cole made the Trojan offense more potent.  Coming back from an ankle injury over Christmas break, she brought a new spark to the line-up that was missing during her departure.  In limited time she helped the Trojans by scoring 8 points and grabbing 5 rebounds.  Danielle Smith led the team with 16 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals followed by Jamie Kuhl with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.  Tricia Mitz also had a steady game with 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals.  The Trojans now prepare for their last home game versus South on Friday night at 7:00 P.M. before heading out on a 5 game road trip.

Game #21: Friday, Jan. 19th @ Home

Gators Take Trojans

CG - 28        Crystal Lake South - 34      Record: 9 - 12   (1 - 3)

Both teams fought a physical contest Friday night at Cary-Grove but the Crystal Lake South Gators won the battle of the boards and got some timely baskets off of turnovers and inbounds plays to secure the victory down the stretch.  The Trojans did a stellar job defensively limiting the Gators to just 11 of 44 from the field but the Gators returned the favor by holding the Trojans to just 12 of 36.  South connected on 7 of 16 free throws while CG went 4 for 10.  This was an evenly matched game between these two teams.  CG committed 18 turnovers, South had 16.  CG had 22 points in the paint to South's 16.  Everything was even except for the rebounding.  South out-rebounded CG 33 to 17.  That was the difference.  After the first quarter which ended 14-8 in favor of the Gators, points were hard to come by for both teams for the rest of the game.  At the half it was 18-12 South.  After three the score stood 26-18 South.  Cary-Grove pulled to within 2 and 4 a few times during the contest but just could not get over the hump.  Danielle Smith led the way for the Trojans scoring 12 points and grabbing four steals.  Jamie Kuhl and Tricia Mitz added 6 points and 4 rebounds each to aid the cause.  Next up for the Trojans is Woodstock on Tuesday night at 7:00 P.M. in Woodstock.

Game #22: Tuesday, Jan. 23rd @ Woodstock

Trojans' Fire Burns Blue Streaks

CG - 61        Woodstock - 34      Record: 10 - 12   (2 - 3)

When a team shoots 90% from the foul line and 51% from the floor, it is very tough to beat that team.  Such was the case for the Trojans on Tuesday night in Woodstock. Cary-Grove jumped on the Blue Streaks from the tip-off and stormed out to an impressive 19-8 first quarter lead.  At the half Woodstock had made up a little ground with the score at 30-21.  CG knew that this was Woodstock's home court and that they would make a run to try to steal the victory.  The Blue Streaks did just that in the second half and cut the deficit to 38-34 by the end of the third.  But, the Trojans proved to be too much to handle down the stretch and connected on 12 of 14 free throws late in the game to secure the win.  Cary-Grove hit 18 of 20 foul shots for the game and 20 of 39 field goal attempts.  The four-headed monster of D. Smith, Jill Cole, Jamie Kuhl, and Tricia Mitz handled all of the scoring.  Smith scored 21 points, succeeded on 12 of 12 free throws, dished out 4 assists and grabbed 2 steals.  Cole had 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals while Kuhl also contributed 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists.  Mitz finished with 8 points, 7 boards, 3 assists, and 3 steals of her own.  The Trojans now start the second round of conference play when they travel to Jacobs on Saturday.  Game time is 7:00 P.M.

Game #23: Saturday, Jan. 27th @ Jacobs

Trojans Rob Eagles' Nest

CG - 56        Jacobs - 53      Record: 11 - 12   (3 - 3)

The Cary-Grove Trojans came together for the second game in a row and went into a tough Jacobs environment Saturday night and left victorious.  As usual the Golden Eagles thrived on pressure defense and three-point shooting, but the lady Trojans remained calm, broke the dreaded press, played superb half-court defense, and ran their offense well enough to secure the win in the end.  It was a total team effort that will help CG continue to build momentum heading into their own Regional which begins Monday, Feb. 12th.  The Trojans will face Crystal Lake South in their first game on Wednesday, Feb. 14th.  This game with Jacobs was eerily similar to the first meeting a few weeks ago.  Both teams battled ferociously and kept it close throughout the contest.  Jacobs enjoyed a 14-12 lead after one quarter, but Cary-Grove headed into the intermission clinging to a 28-25 lead of their own.  After three periods neither team made headway and the score stalled at 42-39 with one amazing frame left to play and CG still in front.  With a few minutes left in the fourth, the Trojans had built a 9 point lead at 53-44.  Things looked dismal for the Golden Eagles, but they had one last run in them and scored the next 9 points to tie it all up.  What ensued afterwards could only be described as incredible.  Both teams fought for that last and final basket that would put their respective team ahead, but it was only the Trojans who would strike the finishing blow.  Jacobs would not score again and Jamie Kuhl would deliver the knockout punch with a fastbreak lay-up while Danielle Smith helped keep the Golden Eagles down by hitting a late free throw with 4.9 seconds left.  However, all was not lost for Jacobs at this point.  They put the ball in the hands of the fastest and most dangerous player around and she stormed up the court with one thing on her mind, to hit the game-tying three to send it to overtime.  Laura Roth would have none of this as she blocked the failed attempt and sent Jacobs to the locker room.  Though shots were hard to come by for the Trojans, they made the most of the attempts they got and connected on 21 of 48 for 44% on the evening.  However, the foul line disappointed them as they only hit 13 of 24 for 54%.  Danielle Smith led the way with 19 points, 2 blocks, 2 steals, and 7 of 9 free throws.  Jamie Kuhl was also stellar once again as she contributed 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks.  Tricia Mitz controlled the boards for the Trojans garnering 9 while scoring 9 points, blocking a shot, and swiping 2 steals.  Cary-Grove now travels to Dundee-Crown on Tuesday to try to avenge an overtime loss earlier in the season. Game time is 7:00 P.M.

Game #24: Tuesday, Jan. 30th @ Dundee-Crown

Chargers Need 2 Overtimes To Take Trojans

CG - 69        Jacobs - 73      Record: 11 - 13   (3 - 4)

When a team gets 36 more shots than the opponent, out-rebounds them by 28, scores 32 more points in the paint, shoots a higher percentage from the charity stripe, and commits fewer turnovers, it is supposed to win.  However, when that team can't control its own fouling and sends opposing players to the line 59 times, chances are slim it can win.  That was the case for the Cary-Grove Trojans on Tuesday night in Charger country as they dropped a heartbreaker in double overtime.  The visitors got whatever interior shots they wanted, 59 of them within 10 feet, but only connected on 20 of those opportunities for 36%.  They got all of these extra looks by controlling the boards all evening and finishing the game with a 52 to 24 rebounding edge, 29 of those on the offensive end.  However, the story of the game was the slow first three quarters.  CG could not find its rhythm early on as they fell behind 19 to 12 after one period and trailed 35 to 23 at the half.  The third stanza proved to be just as frustrating and ended with the Chargers ahead 48 to 35.  Then, for whatever reason, the Trojans decided to play their brand of basketball in the fourth and threw up 25 points to send the game to overtime with a 60 to 60 tie.  The lead see-sawed back and forth the rest of the game, especially in the second overtime, and DC emerged victorious.  It was a tough pill to swallow due to the fact that Jacobs had beaten Crystal Lake South badly in other action this night giving both of those teams two losses in the conference race.  A win against the Chargers could have put the Trojans right back in the hunt for a championship.  Leading the way for the Trojans was Danielle Smith with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal.  Laura Roth, who stepped up huge in the game, scored 15 points, shooting 8 of 11 from the foul line, with 4 rebounds and 3 steals.  Jamie Kuhl followed these two with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists.  In addition, Tricia Mitz did her thing with 7 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals, and Tori Sandstrom also helped clean up the boards with 8.  Now it's back to the drawing board as the Trojans prepare to take on McHenry this Saturday in McHenry at 7:00 P.M.

Game #25: Saturday, Feb. 3rd @ McHenry

Trojans Keep Warriors Winless

CG - 60        McHenry - 47      Record: 12 - 13   (4 - 4)

Cary-Grove used hot shooting from the field and from the foul line Saturday night to knock off McHenry and to build momentum heading into the showdown on Tuesday night with Crystal Lake South.  The Trojans were conservative with their offensive looks against the Warriors resulting in a 53% accuracy rate on 21 of 40 attempts.  The charity stripe also benefited them as they connected on 14 of 20.  Breanna Smith did her part scoring all of her points by going an amazing 10 of 10 from the line.  CG led throughout the contest building leads of almost 20 points at times.  The first quarter ended with the Trojans up 17-11 and the half concluded with them up 34-22.  By the end of the third, the margin had ballooned to 17 with the score standing at 50-33.  Danielle Smith again led the team with 14 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals followed by Tricia Mitz with 11 points on 5 of 5 shooting from the field, 5 boards, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals.  Jamie Kuhl chipped in as well by putting up 10 points with 4 rebounds while Christine LoSchiavo contributed also by nailing two 3-pointers for 6 points and picking up 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals of her own.  The next game for Cary-Grove is a big one, a defining moment if you will.  They will end their 5 game road trip with a visit to Gator Alley on Tuesday evening at 7:00 P.M.  For the Gators a win could mean a conference championship if they win their final game later in the week.  A win for the Trojans would spoil the opportunity for the Gators to win the title outright for the second straight year and prove to the area that CG can play with and beat the best the conference has to offer.  It should be a great game; don't miss it!

Game #26: Tuesday, Feb. 6th @ Crystal Lake South

Gators Stop Trojans

CG - 32        Crystal Lake South - 49      Record: 12 - 14   (4 - 5)

The Crystal Lake South Gators assured themselves of at least a share of the conference crown Tuesday night by beating the Cary-Grove Trojans.  Poor shooting, a lack of free throw opportunities, and turnovers cost CG in this contest.  The Gators are known for their defense and they held the Trojans to just 15 of 52 for 29% from the field.  They also kept CG's girls away from the foul line as the Trojans only succeeded on 1 of 3 attempts.  But the most devastating statistic on the evening had to be the 30 miscues forced by the Gators.  Cary-Grove did not take care of the ball when it mattered most and that spurred South on to victory.  All of that being said, the Trojans were very much in this game until later in the third quarter when the Gators hit three 3-pointers, their only successful 3-pointers in the game.  The first quarter was a defensive stalemate that saw the Trojans lead 8-7 at its conclusion.  By the half it was 18-17 CG.  At the beginning of the third, the score bounced back and forth until South connected on its three's and took a 33-25 cushion into the fourth and never looked back.  Twenty of South's 49 points came courtesy of the charity stripe as they shot 20 of 29 on the night.  The Trojans were led in scoring by Danielle Smith with 11 points followed by Jamie Kuhl with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks.  Jill Cole also helped the cause with 7 points, 4 assists, 1 block, and 2 steals.  Cary-Grove will finish up the regular season with a game Friday night, Senior Night, against the Blue Streaks of Woodstock at 7:00 P.M.  Then, the Trojans will prepare for the first round of the regional and another shot at South.

Game #27: Friday, Feb. 9th @ Home

Trojans Beat Blue Streaks in Double Overtime

CG - 75        Woodstock - 64      Record: 13 - 14   (5 - 5)

Senior night at Cary-Grove proved to be special in more ways than one Friday night.  All five seniors started the game and were given a much-deserved round of applause for their tireless efforts over the past four seasons and the Trojans won an incredible game in double overtime.  CG's never-say-die attitude was evident in the last 52 seconds of regulation when they trailed by 7.  Five free throws and a bucket later and the Trojans sent it to an extra frame.  A deadlocked bonus four minutes sent it to one final extra period and the Trojans outscored the Blue Streaks 13-2 to take the victory.  Bleeding but not shaken due to a sharp elbow to the head late in the game, senior Tricia Mitz would not let her team lose.  She powered CG throughout the contest and had the best game of her career.  After one period of play the score stood 12-7 Trojans.  At the half it was a stalemate at 23-23.  Momentum swung in the favor of Woodstock in the third and they took a 38-35 lead into the fourth stanza.  The Trojans trailed most of the final minutes until their burst at the end.  Mitz accumulated a line that read 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 steals.  She shot 75% from the foul line and 60% from the floor.  Danielle Smith, the Valley Division's top scorer this year, tallied 22 points with 5 assists, 1 block, and 2 steals.  She shot 75% from the charity stripe and 67% from the floor while connecting on three 3-pointers.  Jamie Kuhl also came up big and controlled the skies grabbing 16 rebounds while scoring 11 points.  Jill Cole added to the damage done to Woodstock by scoring 16 points and dishing out 4 assists.  She made 6 of 7 free throws for 86% and succeeded on 5 of 9 shots from the field for 56%.  On the evening Cary-Grove shot 69% from the foul line by drilling 18 of 26 attempts; they also shot well from the field and ended up at a 45% clip.  It was a big win for the Trojans who now take some momentum into the Regional Tournament (which they host) where they square off in their first round game with Crystal Lake South.  Game time is 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday night.  This will be the third time they see each other this season.  It should be a great one!

Game #28: Wednesday, Feb. 14th @ Home (Regional)

Gators End Trojans' Season In Overtime

CG - 44        Crystal Lake South - 53      Record: 13 - 15   (5 - 5)

In their final game of the season, the Cary-Grove Trojans left everything they had out on the court. The 11th- seeded team took the 6th-seeded team to the limit before finally succumbing in overtime, its fifth overtime game of the season.  Like the previous two contests, this game stayed close for most of regulation.  Cary-Grove jumped out to an early lead and hung on to take the first quarter 12-8.  In the second their fortunes were reversed and Crystal Lake South took a 25-21 advantage into the locker room at the intermission.  At the conclusion of three, CG had regained momentum and clung to a 35-32 edge.  Both teams had the opportunity to win it in the fourth during the final seconds but came up short of victory.  South put together a surge to start the overtime and escaped with the victory after the dust cleared.  The Trojans were led by Danielle Smith with 16 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals followed by Tricia Mitz with 9 points, 4 assists, and 12 big rebounds.  Jill Cole and Laura Roth each contributed 5 points of their own as well.  The Trojans say goodbye to five incredible seniors:  Tricia Mitz, Laura Roth, Tricia Phelps, Katie Ganshaw, Sheila Moloney.  They will all be missed but have laid the foundation for much future success.  Danielle Smith and Amanda Papinchock advanced in the 3-point shooting contest and will see if they can advance Friday night before the championship game.