Unheralded Starters Lead Trevian Girls to Victory Over Barrington

New Trier's Maggie Lyon often receives the majority of attention from opposing defenses. As the Trevian's leading point-getter and a threat to score from anywhere on the court, the attention is rightfully deserved.

But when New Trier made its second-half run against Barrington on Saturday to open up its largest lead of the game, it was the Trevian supporting cast that was featured prominently.

Tied at 31-31 midway through the third quarter, starters Colleen McConnell, Laura Martorana and Megan Hoch sparked New Trier on an 11-2 run. The Trevians held on for a 56-48 victory, stopping a three-game losing streak.

"[The role players] are getting more and more self-confident and playing much stronger with the ball," said New Trier assistant coach Larry Grote," We are working at that and it's very pleasing to see that the work is paying off."

New Trier struggled offensively to start, committing turnovers on their first two possessions. The Trevian guards had trouble against Barrington's ball pressure and failed to get a lot of points in their half-court sets.

A quick 7-0 run from Barrington to end the first quarter put New Trier in an early hole, down 15-10.  

"Ball handling has been as issue for us all year," Grote said. "We're not as sure with the ball as we need to be."

But Lyon's hot shooting pulled New Trier back in front. The 6-foot-1 junior guard knocked down three three-pointers in the second quarter and New Trier took a 29-27 lead into halftime.

Rather than relying on the half-court offense, New Trier got out in transition and took advantage of a Barrington team that looked tired and failed to get back defensively for much of the second half.

"They did an excellent job in transition and we didn't get back," Barrington coach Babbi Barreiro said. "That cost us clearly."

New Trier hung on down the stretch and Brigit Ieuter sank four clutch free throws in the closing minutes to seal the victory for the Trevians.

Over the last few games, freshmen Isabella Bosco and Alexa Czyzynski have been playing more because of injured senior guard Hayley Campbell's absence. Campbell tore her ACL, joining Abbey Schmitt as one of last year's starters who has been lost for the season to injury.  

"We're looking for ball-handlers and people who can take care of the ball," Grote said. "We need the ball handling and [Bosco and Czyzynski] are really good defensive players and good athletes."

Lyon led New Trier with 22 points and McConnell had nine points. Kirchoff paced Barrington with 19 points.

Grote served as New Trier's head coach on Saturday because head coach Teri Rodgers was attending a memorial service out of town.

New Trier plays at Waukegan on Friday.