Around The Horn With The Rams

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL:

1/6/12

The Lady Rams defeated Crystal Lake 44-26.

1/10/12
The Central girls traveled to Grayslake North for a big cross-town rival game to with the winner taking control with the lead in the conference standing. The Rams won 41-26.

1/14/12
Central defeated Woodstock 44-41.

1/17/12
The Lady Rams lost to the mighty Patriots of Stevenson High School. The score was 42-31 for the Patriots.

Coach Steve Ikenn said the team has seen good performances from starters and players off the bench.

"Claire Brennan has been leading the way at point guard, garnering the Daily Herald Athlete of the week last week," said Ikenn. "Skyler Jessop and Morgan Dahlstrom have also been leading scorers in some of the games with Dahlstrom leading the way in rebounding. Beth Arnold has been averaging 6 points a game during this stretch. Sarah Kuligowski and Michelle Lettenmair have been giving us solid minutes off the bench."

He said the schedule has been challenging.

"We have had a lot of tough games during this stretch," said Ikenn. "Crystal Lake Central is a good defensive team and they make you work hard for every point. The Grayslake North game was emotional since both teams came into it undefeated in conference. The Knights were on a 13-game winning streak, as well. Woodstock North pushed us hard, but we responded well down the stretch and hit some big free throws to pull it out. Last night was Stevenson (a perennial class 4A power) and we played them tough. But they pulled away at the end. In the bigger picture, tough games like these will hopefully have us battle-tested for the playoffs. Games like these point out what our strengths are, as well as our weaknesses that we can improve on."

NEXT UP: The Rams host Hampshire on January 20 before traveling to Woodstock on January 25. Then they hit the road again to Crystal Lake Central on January 28 and commute to Deerfield on January 30.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL:

1/13/12

Grayslake Central beat Hampshire 53-43. "Jordan Taylor led all scorers with 27 points," said Coach Brian Moe.

1/18/12

The Rams handled the defending conference champions Crystal Lake Central in a 58-47 win at home. Big 6’9" Casey Boyle was the top scorer for Grayslake Central with 13 points. Danny Reed, lighting it up from 3-point land, banged home a dozen. Jordan Taylor was successfully held to 9 points (about 10 less than his per game average). Tyler Smith and Savonte McWilliams added 9 apiece.

The Rams are now 12-5 overall and 4-0 in conference play. "The team has really shown a great understanding for the way we are trying to play the game," said Moe. "Defensively, we have executed our pressure defense and really limited the other team’s offensive production. We must continue to reduce the number of unforced turnovers that we commit. As we move forward through the season, offensive execution, reducing turnovers and a continued focus on rebounding will determine how successful we will ultimately become."

"Jordan Taylor continues to be our leading scorer and has done a great job of operating within the construct of our offense," said Moe. "Casey Boyle is our leading rebounder and averages a double-double. Sean Geary remains a stabilizing factor for our team. Sayvonte McWilliams has handled the ball well, got the team into our offense and finished games from the free throw line.

NEXT UP: The Rams travel to Johnsburg on Saturday, January 21 for a 7 p.m. game. Then Central travels to Woodstock North on January 24. The Rams host their cross-town rivals the Knights on January 27. (Be advised to get there early for seating and parking!)

WRESTLING:

1/5/12

The Rams lost to conference powerhouse Crystal Lake Central 64-12.

1/6/12

The Rams defeated the Johnsburg Skyhawks 44-24.

1/7/12

The Rams rolled over Chicago Brooks 67-12, but lost a close contest to Evanston 35-36.

1/13/12

Grayslake Central defeated Huntley by a 38-33 margin.

1/18/12

The Rams lost a hard fought meet against cross-town rival Grayslake Knights 34-23.

NEXT UP: The Rams take that long bus ride to Hampshire on January 20. Then they travel to Gurnee to face Warren on January 21. The Fox Valley Conference Fox Division Tournament is slated for January 27–28 at Huntley High School.