Girls Basketball: Andrew overcomes early mistakes, downs Joliet West

Some first-game jitters and a relentless Joliet West defense combined to create a bit of a sloppy start for Andrew’s girls basketball team Thursday.

But after committing nine turnovers in the first quarter, the Thunderbolts settled down and eventually pulled away from a pesky Tigers squad for a 53-43 win in the opening game of the Andrew Turkey Tourney and the season opener for both teams in Tinley Park.

“We have a lot of new faces, and the ones coming back are taking on new roles,” Andrew coach Bobby Matz said. “We relaxed and we weren’t perfect against their press, but we made them pay with some easy baskets. (Nicole) Botich really stepped up.”

Andrew broke open a 7-7 tie after one, scoring the first nine points of the second quarter.

The game still was in doubt with four minutes left in the third when Joliet West scored four straight to pull to within 27-24. A 10-0 Andrew run, with Botich and Liz Jendra each converting a pair of inside baskets, finally gave the Thunderbolts some breathing room.

“I knew they didn’t have anyone as big as me,” the six-foot Botich said. “After a few minutes, I really got pumped up.”

Botich (19 points, 12 rebounds), Tiana Karopulos (15 points, 7 rebounds) and Jendra (9 points, 10 rebounds) led Andrew.

Khadija Cooley scored 13 of her team-high 19 points in the fourth quarter for Joliet West, which got eight points each from Treanna Perry and Lanita Hinton (6 rebounds).

The Tigers stayed in the game by forcing 23 turnovers and committing just four, but shot just 18-of-63 from the field. Andrew was 19-of-38 from the floor.

“We’re normally a good shooting team,” Joliet West coach Kevin Michaels said. “Our shooting was just way off tonight, but we can only keep our heads high. Our girls worked hard and played their hearts out.”

No. 7 Rich Central 59, Oak Lawn 45: Tatianna Newell made seven 3-pointers and finished with 21 points to lead Rich Central (2-0). Chaz Duson added 13 points and Layne Murphy 11 for the Olympians. LaTondra Brooks (16 points) and Brooke Annerino (10) led Oak Lawn (1-1).

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