PHOTO GALLERY: Rams Defeat Knights in Girls Basketball Battle

Suffocating defense, great team offense and 19 points by a star player led to a 56-30 win by the Grayslake Central Rams over their crosstown rivals, the Grayslake North Knights, in the IHSA Sectional playoffs.

North came into the contest sporting the best record in the history of the school with 21 wins and a had enjoyed a 13-game winning streak during the season. They were no match, however, on Tuesday night against Central at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights.

The Rams Skyler Jessop led her team with 12 first-half points to drive the score up 28-17 at halftime.

The Knights came out with lots of energy looking to turn things around in the second half. Unfortunately for North, there were too many turnovers and not enough shots fell in. 

The Rams tough team defense didn't allow a score in the fourth quarter until a late three-pointer by the Knights Emily Stinner. 

For the Rams, Jessop finished with 19 points while teammate Claire Brennan finished with 9 points. Morgan Dahlstrom led the team with 15 rebounds. 

It was a bittersweet finish for the Knights who ended with a team record of 21-9, the best in school history. Seniors Katie McGrath, Allie Ceglarek, Brooke Sauer, Sara Steinhoff and Christina Freese have contributed to the Knights program the last four years, helping to build it up from the basement to the top of the Fox Valley Conference.

The Rams will play Thursday night in the Sectional finals against Vernon Hills, back at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights.