Girls Basketball: Loyola, Glenbrook South use team concept to advance to sectional final

Updated: February 22, 2012 11:37PM

Glenbrook South and Loyola have more in common then geography.

Separated by less than six miles on Lake Ave., the third-seeded Titans and fourth-seeded Ramblers got to Thursday’s sectional final at New Trier by playing similar styles.

Neither team possesses a superstar player, both are unselfish and both play good team defense.

This will be the first meeting this season between the two teams, and one will end up with its first sectional title in several seasons. No. 14-ranked Loyola (24-7) is looking for its first since 2006, while No. 22 Glenbrook South (23-7) last won one in 2004.

“I’ve seen them play several times this season while scouting other teams,” said Glenbrook South coach Steve Weissenstein, whose team beat the Ramblers to capture the regional championship last season. “The thing about them is they play well together. All of them handle the ball well, they play good defense and shoot well.”

The same things can be said about the Titans. Other than its size, Glenbrook South possesses many of the same strengths as Loyola.

Loyola’s tallest starter is 5-foot-10 senior K.C. Stralka, but the Ramblers can bring 6-foot Sarah Elston off the bench.

Meanwhile, the Titans have four starters 6-feet or taller, including point guard Lindsey Oldshue.

“The first thing that opens your eyes is their size,” Loyola coach Jeremy Schoenecker said. “And our lack of size stands out.

“But one thing we pride ourselves in is our team defense and trying to exploit matchups. Helping each other and communicating with each other are strengths of ours.”

Loyola got to the sectional final by upsetting top-seeded Maine South, which finished third in the state last season. Glenbrook South advanced by snapping its six-game losing streak to Niles West and Notre Dame-bound Jewell Loyd. The Wolves ended the Titans’ season in the playoffs the previous two seasons.

Unfortunately, the Titans will be without Colleen McDonagh. The senior starter broke her left wrist late in the second quarter Tuesday against Niles West and is out for the rest of the season.

“It’s tough, especially on her,” Weissenstein said. “It’s a big loss, but our girls rallied around that last night. They could have folded up the tent. We will come out ready to play again Thursday.”

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