Coming off of an impressive conference win over rival Prairie Ridge, Cary-Grove (6-13, 4-4) was confident that they would be able to continue their win streak against Saint Charles North (12-9). Unfortunately, having strong team play and resilience wasn’t quite good enough to dig themselves out of a hole and knock off the North Stars.  

In the first quarter, it looked as if the Trojans had them pinned. CG jumped out to an 8-4 lead, courtesy of four assisted scores and a tenacious defense.

The North Stars finally came alive, though, and got hot behind the three-point line, which resulted in a quick 10-0 run that gave them a 6-point lead.

Cary-Grove responded well, with seniors Taylor Tomasiewicz and Maddie Jannusch sparking the Trojans offensively, including a three-pointer Tomasiewicz banked off the backboard. At halftime, the score was tied 26-26 with the Trojans possessing the momentum.

Unfortunately, Saint Charles took the third quarter by storm, outscoring the Trojans 18-9 and running their lead as high as 11.

The Trojans began to chip away at the lead, eventually cutting it to four points with 1:44 left in the game. With the chance to get within a basket, the Trojans missed both of their free throws, a common theme that night.

That forced the Trojans to foul the North Stars, who promptly drained all of their free throws to put the game out of reach.

Despite the loss, it looks like the Trojans have finally turned the corner from their early-season struggles and appear capable of beating anyone on their schedule. They have won four out of their last six games, with their only two losses coming by a combined eight points. That includes a heartbreaking one-point loss at home to Hampshire, who is undefeated and in first place in conference play.

Next up for Cary-Grove is a home game on January 17th against the Huntley Red Raiders, whom they have already defeated on their court, 48-38.