Inside girls basketball

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Athlete of the Week

Stephanie Melone

Crystal Lake South, sr.

Melone’s steal and subsequent outlet pass set up teammate Lauren Del Vecchio, who was fouled and made the game-winning free throw Saturday in South’s 49-48 win against Prairie Ridge. Melone, a guard, scored a team-high 11 points, all in the second half, and had four steals and four rebounds in the comeback win.

Noteworthy

A new offense: When two-time Northwest Herald player of the year Melissa Dixon graduated last spring, Johnsburg coach Brad Frey knew the Skyhawks would struggle on offense this season.

After Johnsburg scored only 19 points against Grayslake Central on Jan. 3, Frey changed the offense, implementing high ball screens to better suit his personnel.

“We changed our offense to take advantage of [point guard] Morgan Berge’s speed,” Frey said. “She’s just so fast we’re trying to get her open and get her to the basket.”

Point-guard play: Prairie Ridge interim coach Jeff Boldog has been with the varsity team for only four games, but he already understands the value that junior point guard Brianne Fenton brings every night.

Fenton is one of those rare players who can affect a game without taking a shot. She had six first-half assists against Crystal Lake South on Saturday, setting up Prairie Ridge’s three-point shooters and post players for open shots with her dribble penetration.

“She creates so many opportunities because she’s so fast that it’s hard for other guards to guard her,” Boldog said. “She has a great basketball knowledge and a natural skill for the game with great vision on the floor.”

Repeat champions: Grayslake Central clinched the Fox Valley Conference Fox Division title with Wednesday’s 47-34 victory against Johnsburg. It is the second consecutive division championship for the Rams, who have won 21 conference games in a row since a loss to Johnsburg on Jan. 28, 2010.

This week’s top games

Burlington Central at Marengo

7:15 p.m. Friday

Marengo clinches at least a share of the Big Northern Conference East Division championship with a victory over Burlington Central. After a short two-game skid, the Indians need to build back some momentum before the playoffs start.

Huntley at Cary-Grove

7 p.m. Saturday

The Trojans won’t be lacking motivation when they face Huntley for the second time this season. Cary-Grove will have a chance to avenge its only conference loss of the season, a 46-35 defeat to Huntley on Jan. 14, and clinch the FVC Valley Division title outright for the second consecutive season.

Marian Central at North Boone

6 p.m. Monday

The Hurricanes have been devastated by injuries this season and, as a result, have struggled in 2012. The playoffs provide a fresh start for everyone, and Marian will look to start its postseason run in the Class 2A North Boone Regional quarterfinals.

– Ross Jacobson
rjacobson@shawmedia.com