By Craig Lynch-
The Geneva High School’s girls basketball team will play at Redbird Arena in Normal Friday to defend its Class 4A State tournament championship.
Seniors Stephanie Hart, with 16 points, and Margaret Whitley, 15 points, led the charge in Geneva’s victory over Rockford Boylan, 54-42. Geneva earned its way to the four-team State tournament in Monday evening’s super-sectional at Streamwood High School.
“It will feel so great to step on the floor in Normal,” said Hart, a 5-8 senior.
Geneva will play perennial power Maine West at 7:15 p.m. Friday in the second semifinal game in Normal. Montini will play Edwardsville at 5:30 p.m.. Montini defeated Bolingbrook, 43-35, in Monday’s super-sectional at Lewis University in Romeoville. Maine West defeated Lake Zurich, 52-42, at Hersey High School in Monday’s super-sectional. The third place and championship games will be Saturday evening in Normal.
The Vikings never trailed Boylan and led 15-7 after the first quarter. They closed the second quarter with a 14-4 run and took a 31-16 lead at halftime.
Geneva’s lead ballooned, 50-29 on its way to handing Boylan Catholic its first defeat of the season.
“Their defense and experience were the keys tonight,” said Boylan head coach Paul Perroni after the game. The Titans closed their season with a 32-1 record.
Whitley, who will go to Uab (University of Alabama Birmingham) next season, air-balled her first shot. “I wasn’t going to let that shot affect my game,” she said. “I knew I had to keep shooting.”
Whitley scored all of her points on five three-point shots. “This is a different team from last year,” said Whitley. “(Center) Grace Loberg is a great athlete. We showed we could win without her.”
The Vikings’ winning streak stood at 14 after the game.
“We had to work twice as hard this year to get here,” said Hart. “I am super excited.”
Madison Mallory scored nine points and Maddy Yelle chipped in with seven points.
• In Class 3A, Glenbard South will open State Tournament play at 11 a.m. Friday against Peoria Richwoods. Nazareth will, play Breese Central at 12:45 p.m.. Glenbard South defeated Carmel, 48-33, in Monday’s super-sectional at Elgin Community College.
