Ray, Bench Headline Lady Raiders' Win at Sandburg

Editor's Note: For all the latest news and notes from the Bolingbrook girls basketball team, check out Patch's .

If somebody would have told Sandburg girls basketball head coach Chris Hellrung that his team would be trailing Bolingbrook just 13-3 after one quarter of play, he'd probably have taken it in a heartbeat.

After all, the Lady Raiders came into Thursday night's matchup ranked third nationally in one poll, while the Eagles had lost four of their last five.

But that was the scenario Hellrung and company found themselves in after Bolingbrook turned in a sloppy first quarter, marred by an inconsistent offense.

The Lady Raiders failed to find any type of rhythm and, if not for a stifling defense, they could have been in for an early-game scare.

But the lead proved to be enough for the Lady Raiders, who held the Eagles scoreless in the second quarter and allowed just 10 points the rest of the game en route to a 58-13 victory.

For Bolingbrook (5-0, 3-0), it was the team's fifth consecutive win as it heads into this weekend's Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix—arguably the most competitive tournament in the country.

For Sandburg's Eagles, it was a chance to see how they stacked up against the class of the Southwest Suburban Conference—and the class of the entire state, for that matter.

On a stage usually set for Bolingbrook standouts senior guard Ariel Massengale and junior forward Morgan Tuck, it was junior guard Kierra Ray who stole the show—literally.

Ray, making her first start of the season, chipped in with eight points and had seven steals, including five in the first half.

"She is a kid that can play and she has been doing a lot of things," said Bolingbrook head coach Tony Smith. "She's an active kid, and we want her to stay active. She is going to play and give effort. You can't coach or teach effort."

By halftime, the Lady Raiders owned a 26-3 lead, fueled largely by Tuck's 13 points.

The few Sandburg points came off a jumper by sophomore guard Carly Katalinic, after a nifty behind-the-back move to get past Massengale, and a free throw by senior guard Samantha Holler.

With a 23-point lead, Bolingbrook took just a few minutes before looking to its bench. The reserves had a productive night, with 16 second-half points, including eight points from sophomore forward Cabriana Capers.

Katalinic led all Sandburg shooters with five points, including a 3-pointer. Juniors Kristen Bailey and Michelle Sarna each chipped in with two points.

Bolingbrook plays next on Sunday in Phoenix against Santa Clara (Calif.) in the Nike Tournament of Champions. Sandburg is set to play Tuesday at Lemont.