The Waubonsie Valley girls basketball team walloped Upstate Eight Conference rival East Aurora 71-34 on Friday night to finish 10-0 and win the UEC outright for the first time since 1998-99. The Warriors did it in typical fashion - contributions from everyone. Even though the team led by nearly 30 points at halftime, only two players reached double figures yet all 12 players who played scored. This is very different from the squad that last accomplished the feat of winning the UEC outright. That team had Ashley Luke, an unstoppable Division-I recruit who was a versatile threat inside and out. At any given moment, Luke could step up and score 20 or more points in a game. But the 2008 Warriors don't have a player like that and although they seem to like it that way, could it be their downfall during the post season? Or could the team's versatility be the very reason they surpass the Ashley Luke-era?
Coach Kris Kalivas' style is a bit like Todd Lickliter's old Butler teams: unselfish offensive, tough defense and system basketball; the sum is always greater than it's parts. Now with the post season looming, will Waubonsie be able to go as far as the 1998-99 team - regional and sectional titles and an Elite Eight appearance - without a superstar? This year's team will head into the post season with all its players on the floor for the first time since December. Junior guard Jessica Morice is back after spraining her Achilles and missing a month. Rachel Bostick is back after missing a handful of games with a sore shoulder and even Emily Collins, who tore her ACL in December, returned to the lineup tonight with limited minutes. Kalivas said she'll continue to play in that capacity throughout the post season and having Collins back clearly pumped up the team. Could having everyone back in some capacity be the ace up Waubonsie's sleeve during the IHSA Tournament? Just how far can the Warriors go? The Sun's girls basketball post season preview will explore these questions in more depth on Monday, but for anyone reading out there, we'd like to hear what you have to say.
Congratulations from the entire Tartaglione family!! So great to hear about the awesome achievements still going on at WVHS!! Go Coach K!! Still one of the top coaches ever!
Tartaglione Family
Go Warriors!!! Your community is proud of you and wish you continued success. Who knows maybe STATE:)