Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008

Althoff Crusaders win big in basketball opener

ALTON -- Reserve guard Alanna Nacar led a balanced Althoff attack with 10 points as the Crusaders opened their 2008-09 season Wednesday with an 80-24 win over Carrollton at the Alton Tip-Off Classic.

Returning three starters from a team which won 26 games a year ago, Althoff wasted little time taking control against the overmatched Hawks.

Led by four points each from Jazmin Hill, Jordyne Crunk and Amarah Brooks-Williams, Althoff scored the first 26 points and led 30-1 after one quarter.

Playing four freshmen at times, Carrollton (0-2) couldn't handle the Crusaders' early pressure. The Hawks turned the ball over on their first nine possessions and finished the first quarter with 17 turnovers on 23 possessions.

"It's good to get the first one over. The girls were anxious to play against another team and while we won and there were some bright points, we've still got a lot of work to do," Althoff coach Lori Crunk said. "Everybody got to play and I think almost everybody had a basket. In that respect it was good."

Jordyne Crunk added nine points for Althoff which had 14 players put points on the board.

Nacar got into the act in the first quarter as she came off the bench to hit a pair of 3-pointers.

"Alanna is a very good shooter," Crunk said. "Being a sophomore there were times when it was difficult for her, but she's adjusted and had a nice game for us tonight.

"This was a tough game for Carrollton, because they are so young. We hurt them with our size and strength inside as well."

The Crusaders expanded their lead to 45-8 at halftime as sophomore guard Danielle Wilson scored five points. Crunk went to her bench midway through the first quarter.

Freshmen Nadia Berry and Kayla Lovel scored six points each for Carrollton. The Hawks, despite playing better in the second half, were no match for the Crusaders.

"They (Althoff) are an excellent team with three big-time players. It's tough for us to compete with a team that is so big inside and has excellent guard play. We just couldn't execute the way we needed to," Carrollton coach Jennifer Gwillim said. "We lost our focus against their pressure.

"But even though the final score doesn't indicate it, I was pleased with the effort. We didn't quit."

Mater Dei 53, Cahokia 25

Ashley Rakers scored a team-high 13 points and Julie Huelsmann added seven to lead Mater Dei past Cahokia in its season opener. Alexa Becker added six points for the Knights, who only have one senior on their roster.

Contact reporter Dean Criddle at 239-2665 or dcriddle@bnd.com.