Girls Basketball: Toni Romiti shoots Hornets to victory

Toni Romiti doesn’t pay attention to her own statistics.

But even the Hinsdale South junior guard was surprised by her five three-pointers in the first quarter of Saturday’s game at the Downers Grove North Winter Classic.

“I just shoot it, but I’ve never had that many (threes) in any quarter,” Romiti said.

Her first quarter numbers were impressive. It was enough to give the Hornets a 57-42 victory over the host Trojans (4-14), who have lost two of their last three since finishing 15th at Wheaton North’s Neibch Holiday Classic.

Romiti finished with a season-high 24 points after scoring 20 in the first half. In the first quarter, she scored 17 points on 6 of 9 shooting and 5 of 8 beyond the three-point arc. Her one of two free throws before halftime came in the second quarter during the Hornets’ 21-2 run that opened a 33-11 lead late in the second quarter.

Romiti’s career high is 28 points in last year’s season opener at Lemont. She has 45 total points over the last two games, including 21 points Jan. 12 in a 50-28 victory at Addison Trail.

As the only junior among a starting five of four seniors, Romiti knows the time is now for the Hornets (13-4), who have won five of their last six games since Dec. 27.

“This season has been awesome,” Romiti said. “I feel really good. This is your year to do it. Next year, we’re juniors.”

Amazingly, in the first quarter Romiti had more three-point baskets (five) than Downers North’s entire team (four). The Hornets led 22-9 after the first quarter.

The Trojans shot 2 of 9 from the floor in the second quarter. Against Hinsdale South’s reserves, DGN outscored the Hornets 20-4 in the fourth quarter.

Hinsdale South played without starting forward Natalie Tomerlin, who missed the game to make a college visit.

Brittany DeClouette added 10 points for the Hornets. Mary Eschemann led the Trojans with 14 points and Sarah Costello had 12 points and seven rebounds.

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