The Naperville North varsity girls’ basketball team was defeated by Naperville Central in a home crosstown showdown on Friday, January 30th.
The Huskies (17-6) were defeated by the Redhawks (20-4) with a final score of 50-39.
Naperville North opened the game with incredible intensity on defense and offense, limiting six attempted Redhawks shots to just two baskets made. Junior Shooting Guard Ava Podkasik (4) was the first Huskie to reach the rim, with Senior Point Guard Sam Kelly (12) shortly following with a free throw completion, forcing a Redhawks timeout. Defensive rebounds from Sophomore Forward Katie Walker (5) restricted the Redhawks under the rim and allowed Podkasik to bring the score to a Redhawk lead of 7-13 into the second quarter.
Kelly led the Huskie charge with a contested attack through the paint for a layup. Walker followed with back-to-back two-pointers, putting the Huskies nearly level with the Redhawks, forcing another timeout from Central. North continued to outwork Central in the paint, cutting off every drive and dominating the boards. Kelly finished the half with 11 points, reducing Central’s lead to just two points at 23-25. Kelly reflected on her motivation throughout the first half.
“It’s our last home crosstown game ever, so we just wanted to lay everything we had out there and that’s what we did… I think [the seniors] having that mentality let the other girls have that mentality as well,” Kelly said.
Both teams began the second half with equal energy. The Redhawks took an early lead until Ava Podkasik finished an “and-one” layup to set the crowd ablaze. The Huskie defense rose to the occasion and matched the Redhawks’ intensity. Podkasik and Sophomore Shooting Guard Sydney Smith (14) got the Huskies to trail the Redhawks with just one point.
Central began to dominate the fourth quarter, the game became one-sided in Central’s favor. The Redhawks were able to break down the Huskie defense and managed to gain a nearly 15-point lead halfway through the fourth quarter. Naperville North fought hard but was unable to create a late comeback. Even as Central pulled away, Ava Podkasik described how the Huskies were able to stay motivated.
“It’s crosstown, it was a great environment… Make or miss, we were in the game. I don’t think we were out of the game for a single second because we were just so motivated to keep going,” Podkasik said.
Head Coach Aly Miller took notice of the electric atmosphere and spoke on how the team will use this experience as preparation for the future.
“I think it was a great atmosphere to practice in. I think it very well could be a regional championship atmosphere in about three weeks, so I think it was very good for us to play in so we can prepare for it,” Miller said.
The Naperville North varsity girls’ basketball team will play their next game at Plainfield Central High School on Saturday, January 31st, at 2:30pm.
