Girls Basketball: Sydney Smith paces Vernon Hills to victory

Updated: January 5, 2012 9:33PM

Vernon Hills’ stingy defense was on display Thursday night in dominant fashion against Lakes, fueling the Cougars’ fast-break offense to a 75-50 victory.

Sophomore Sydney Smith paced the Cougars out of the gates with 15 first-half points as Vernon Hills (14-2) jumped out to an early 18-point lead.

On a night when the Cougars’ offense seemed to be clicking on all cylinders, Vernon Hills head coach Paul Brettner said it was his team’s ability in doing the small things that was key.

“These girls were doing a lot of the little things well tonight,” he said. “I’d love to take credit for those hustle plays, but it’s a mindset they are in.

“They are as hardworking a group of girls as I’ve seen,” he added.

Smith finished with 17 points and said her team has worked extensively on getting back offensively following turnovers. Amanda Smith led the Eagles (6-9) with 15 points.

“We are doing a good job of looking for an open shot,” Smith said. “When we get those steals, we are all sprinting back. That goes a long way.”

Alina Lehocky also notched 17 points for Vernon Hills and played a vital role in providing her team second-chance points. Meri Bennett-Swanson added 12 points.

“If my teammates weren’t all boxing out, I wouldn’t be able to pick up those rebounds,” Lehocky said. “Tonight showed that we really are coming together as a team.”

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