The Verona Lady Wildcats proved when they are state-ranked in Class 1 with their 51-point win over Southwest on February 19.
Verona, coached by Ryan Yates, didn’t score the first basket, but the Lady Wildcats put up three consecutive three pointers by Jenna Chadd, Beth Bigham and Jessica Smith to go up 9-2.
Tristan Carrasquillo, Chadd and Smith continued to post points in the first quarter, while the Lady Wildcats kept Southwest in single digits. Verona led 25-6 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was more of the same with Verona dominating the boards and keeping Southwest out of scoring range. Southwest only posted three points in the second quarter, while the Lady Wildcats increased their lead to 40-9. Smith and Carrasquillo led the quarter for Verona with six points each, while Chadd added three points.
Verona scored the first five points of the third quarter, while Southwest didn’t put up any points until less than six minutes left in the quarter. Verona continued to push the ball up the floor and keep Southwest out of the lane for down-low shots. The Lady Wildcats made 20 points in the third quarter, and Southwest scored six. The score was set at 60-15.
Verona’s points came from Smith, Jori Dodson, Carrasquillo, Chadd and Jordyn Butler. Carrasquillo led in points in the quarter with seven points. Chadd followed with five points in the third quarter.
Chadd opened the fourth quarter with two free throws, but both teams didn’t really start scoring until midway through the quarter. Kelsei Krueger drained a free throw, while Whitney Shue made a three pointer and a two-point shot later in the game.
Verona ended the game with a 73-22 win over Southwest.
Player stats were: Carrasquillo with 24 points, seven rebounds, two assists and four steals; Chadd with 18 points, three assists and five steals; Smith with 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals; Bigham with six points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block; Shue with five points and one rebound; Dodson with two points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals; Butler with two points and three rebounds and Krueger with one point and one assist.
Verona vs. McAuley
The Lady Wildcats walked away with another win as they concluded their season on February 23. Verona defeated McAuley 58-39.
Player stats were: Carrasquillo with 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal; Smith with 13 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals; Bigham with 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block; Chadd with 10 points, three rebounds and four assists; Taylor Pinkly with two points and one assist; and Dodson with six rebounds and one assist.