Raiders facing opponent on the rebound

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The Bolingbrook girls basketball state title defense begins Friday.

However, whether or not its opponent will offer the challenge as advertised before the season starts will remain to be seen.

In Marian Catholic's (0-1) season opener, it was upset by host Lincoln-Way East 48-41. The Griffins (1-0) outscored Marian Catholic 13-6 in the fourth quarter to grab the victory.

It was one game away from going down to Normal. However, a desperation 3-pointer in double overtime by Whitney Young as time expired ended the Spartans' season.

The Spartans lost two good players to graduation as Kaila Turner went to Notre Dame and Mallory Eggert went to St. Louis University.

Returning for another season for Marian Catholic is Simone Law, who had 16 points and five blocked shots in the supersectional defeat.

Despite the opening night loss to Lincoln-Way East, the Raiders won't be taking the Spartans lightly and will be preparing for them like they won their opening game.

"The loss to Lincoln-Way East is going to make them even madder and ready to play when they come here to play us," Raiders girls basketball coach Tony Smith said. "Marian Catholic came out sluggish, maybe because it was their first game."

Marian Catholic has three players over 6 feet tall. However, only one has significant experience.

Sarah Trump is its main threat from 3-point range as she made three of four attempts for the Spartans.

As for Bolingbrook's best player, Morgan Tuck, how much she will play against Marian Catholic remains up in the air.

After a full week of practice, Smith is going to evaluate how well Tuck's knee has held up and then he and his coaching staff will make a decision.

"I'll be ready to play against Marian Catholic to start the season," Tuck said. "I've really worked hard and practiced on my knee a lot. I'm close to 100 percent."

Playing against a highly rated team in the first or even second game of the season sometimes goes against conventional wisdom. However both the girls and Smith are seemingly ready for the challenge.

"I don't care who we play at all. It doesn't matter what team is in front of us," Raiders guard Ariel Massengale said. "I think it is great that the two best teams in the state are going to battle it out. It will be a great game. Let's see who is the best."

The game begins at 7 p.m. It is also Teacher Appreciation Night.

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