Carmel cruises past Waukegan

Updated: March 23, 2011 9:38AM

Carmel's girls basketball team tuned up for Wednesday's monster road game against undefeated Libertyville by cruising past undermanned Waukegan 63-36 on Monday in a non-conference game.

Carmel is now 13-8 on the season, including 3-3 in the challenging East Suburban Catholic Conference that features state powers Fenwick and Marian Catholic.

The loss dropped Waukegan to 6-15 overall. They are playing out the season without sophomore standout Syerra Cunningham, who is out for the duration with a knee injury.

Sarah McHugh led Carmel, totaling 17 points and seven rebounds, and getting the Corsairs going by scoring their first eight points.

Jackie Meier added 16 points and Jacque Hoeft came off the bench and had 11 points and four rebounds while playing meaningful minutes.

Kelly Perz is looking forward to Wednesday's game against 21-0 Libertyville.

"This was good preparation. We were able to work on some things for Wednesday," coach Perz said. "I know that a lot of their girls have played against the Libertyville girls since they started playing basketball in the fifth grade.

"They're going to be hyped for that game. It means a lot to them. I expect us to play one of our best games of the season, and vice-versa. It should be fun."

Monday's game was never close. Carmel led 15-8 after one quarter and 32-15 at halftime.

Perz was pleased with the play of McHugh and Meier. "They both stepped up with one of our starters (senior guard Erin Quinn is hurt but will play Wednesday) out."

As for Hoeft, Perz said, "She gives us a spark off the bench. She has a bucket or gets to the free-throw line within the first minute she's out there."

The coach knows beating Libertyville will be tough.

"They're so solid across the board. Their five starters are solid on offense and on defense, and they don't turn the ball over," the coach said. "We know they play hard very minute of every game. We're going to have to match that intensity."

Waukegan got 17 points from Marquita Wright in the loss.

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