Girls Basketball: Lincoln-Way East tops Lincoln-Way West

Updated: December 27, 2011 9:17PM

Having played basketball growing up, Lincoln-Way East’s Caitlin McMahon had some adjustments to make when her sister, Meaghan, was called up to the varsity last season.

“It was weird at first because we’d always played together out of school, and now we were on the same team,” Caitlin said. “We eventually got used to it. I know she was really nervous at first, but she adjusted really well.”

With the McMahons dominating the lane Tuesday, host Lincoln-Way East cruised to a 57-29 win over Lincoln-Way West at the Medieval Classic.

Caitlin finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds while Meaghan added 10 points and 10 rebounds. Taylor Johnson scored 14 for East (9-0), with Amy Jacobsen drilling four three-pointers for 12 points.

A win Wednesday against Joliet Catholic will clinch a spot in Thursday’s championship for East.

East coach Jim Martin attributed the early season success to last season’s role players embracing their bigger roles.

“Everybody’s settled in, from Nathalie Hill to Amy Jacobsen,” Martin said. “All of them with that year of experience settled, and Meaghan has handled it, been strong and not been afraid.”

The Griffins rolled to another impressive start after jumping out to a 29-0 lead in Monday’s win over Plainfield South. East rattled off 18 points with the McMahons dominating inside to start the game.

West finally got on the board with a Brittany Machalski free throw late in the first.

“Those quick starts build confidence,” Martin said. “As a team, we’re growing and building confidence with each win.”

Amanda Hozzian led West (6-5) with nine points.

“We gave up too many second opportunities,” West coach Ryan White said. “Once it spirals out of control, we’re not a chasing team. We still have a chance at that third-place game.”

Lincoln-Way Central 44, Queen of Peace 27: Autumn Schultz (20 points) and Ashley Newton (11) led Central (8-4). Hannah Lipman had 16 points for Queen of Peace.

Lincoln-Way North 49, Lincoln Park 35: Taylor Boardman poured in 23 points for North (12-2), to go with Sam Pietruszynski’s 13 points.

Joliet Catholic 61, Plainfield South 33: Shannon Butler had 20 points with Cierra Stanciel and Miranda Morales scoring 11 each for Joliet Catholic (4-7). Jesline Castillo scored nine for Plainfield South.

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