Minooka still perfect in Southwest Prairie

Updated: March 23, 2011 9:38AM

No stranger to pressure situations, Minooka's Stephanie Furr found herself in plenty of them Tuesday night against Plainfield North.

But with a minute to go in the Southwest Prairie game, Furr stepped to the free-throw line and missed a free throw that would have tied the game at 40-all.

"I was so frustrated because my free throws felt good the entire game," Furr said. "The one that really matters the most I miss, but I shook it off and knew I had to get it back."

Furr did just that, scoring a basket that sent the game into overtime and hitting what proved to be the game-winner in the extra session of Tuesday's 48-45 win over Plainfield North.

Minooka improved to 17-3 overall and 10-0 in conference with a huge game against Romeoville looming Friday.

As for that undefeated conference season, the goal remains the same.

"The whole conference is competitive, and one game you play overtime and the next you get Romeoville," Furr said. "Everyone is coming out and playing their hardest for the conference title."

Furr finished with a game-high 26 points for Minooka with Ashley Clemmons adding 10 points and nine rebounds.

Having missed the game-tying free throw just seconds before, Furr went the length of the court off an inbounds pass and drove the lane for an easy bucket with 12 seconds remaining that sent the game into overtime.

In the extra period, the senior guard scored off an inbounds play and then capped off her night with a basket inside with 1:36 remaining that proved to be the game-winner.

Johanah Caliban (six assists) and Sam Wurz hit a free throw each in the final minute to ice the game.

Plainfield North's Cassie Wolfe's three-point attempt with three seconds left in the fourth came up short as Minooka held on.

"To be honest, we've been lucky several times to come in here and get a win," Minooka coach Ray Liberatore said. "North always plays well, but Stephanie's the best player in the conference, and big players make big plays."

Wolfe finished with 22 points for host Plainfield North (11-9, 6-4).

"We did exactly what we wanted to do, especially after being down 12 points (14-2) in the first quarter," Wolfe said. "It was a relief to see (the turnaround), and we just did it quarter by quarter. It was a good game for all of us."

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