LeBeau leads Richards to win over Maria

Amanda LeBeau was a very talented athlete at Richards High School from 2002 through '06. Her younger sister, Brittany, starred in her own right from 2003 through '07.

Now it's Brianna's turn. She's already off to a great start at maintaining the family legacy.

LeBeau, a freshman, starred on the sophomore volleyball team during the fall campaign before being pulled up to the varsity midway through the season.

Girls basketball coach Jeff Kortz didn't wait. LeBeau is one of his starting forwards, and she's already making quite an impact.

The 5-foot-10 forward scored nine points in limited playing time as Richards trounced Maria 60-35 in a first-round game Wednesday at the Richards Eye Opener Tournament.

"I feel good. I feel like I'm following in my sisters footsteps. They played hard. That's what we do."

In a tough 41-39 loss at Thornridge on Tuesday, LeBeau had six points and 11 rebounds.

"And that game was a war," Kortz said. "Brianna battled, and she actually brought the ball up a little bit in the second half, which gave her some confidence.

"She's not afraid. She's got that feisty Amanda attitude, and she's got toughness like Brittany."

The Bulldogs (1-1) made quick work of Maria, racing to a 15-2 first-quarter lead.

Senior Danielle Dace (6 points) scored the first two baskets, LeBeau the next two. Kortz was well into the bench near the end of the first quarter. A total of 12 Bulldogs eventually scored.

LaShundra Patterson finished with eight points for Richards, while Rachel Garner, Courtney Rogers and Sam Kusta had six each for the Bulldogs.