Girls Basketball: Crack of dawn becomes bonding time for Bison
By Bob Gosman Contributor January 24, 2012 3:14PM
Buffalo Grove's Julie Jambrone (No. 40) deals with some defensive pressure during Friday's game against Wheeling. The Bison lost the contest 39-27. | Rob Dicker~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: February 27, 2012 8:13AM
The Buffalo Grove High School girls basketball team is losing sleep — by choice.
No snooze button required.
For the last month, the players have been arriving at school for an extra practice session, at about 6 a.m., before classes begin. Judging by such dedication, one might think the Bison stood at 16-4 instead of 4-16.
“Bailey (North) set a great example as far as coming in and working on her game,” said senior point guard Emily Cho. “The coaches are not on us to come in. This is something the girls have wanted to do to get better.”
The Bison came very close to breaking through on Jan. 10, but dropped a 45-37 overtime decision to Elk Grove. Buffalo Grove has lost five consecutive games, including a 39-27 decision to visiting Wheeling on Friday nigth, and eight of the last nine.
Of course, the girls are making sure to devote time to fun as well. The best example of that might be their marathon sessions of “Just Dance” on Nintendo Wii.
“We hang out all the time,” Cho said.
Nicknames are also a popular pastime. Since the Bison roster is stretched thin because of injuries and illness, the girls have recruited “Patricia” and “Stephanie” to scrimmage with them.
“Patricia” as in coach Pat Dudle and “Stephanie” as in assistant Steve Kolodziej.
“That’s an inside joke that we have,” Cho said with a smile. “They bring their own intensity, and it’s always fun if we are able to beat them.”
The Bison dropped a 73-48 decision to perennial power Fenwick on Monday. Although BG was overmatched, Cho said the Bison gained a lot from the experience of matching up with the mighty Friars.
“The intensity of the game opened our eyes,” she said. “It showed us what we are capable of.”
Cho said Dudle was pleased with the team’s effort.
“He told us he would sleep well (that night) because he knows how hard we played and the effort we put in,” Cho said.
Of course, Dudle should grab the sleep while he can. That 5:30 a.m. wake-up call will go off before he knows it.
Intense ‘D’: Junior Carly Cheever has no problem being identified as a defensive player. In fact, she relishes the opportunity to guard top opponents.
“Ever since I started playing feeder basketball in fifth grade, I’ve been a defensive player,” she said.
Cho said Cheever brings unwavering defensive intensity.
“She has this attitude that she will stop you,” Cho said. “She gets in passing lanes, she dives all over the floor and just brings so much energy. It’s fun to play with her.”
Cheever can guard perimeter players and forwards as well.
“I really enjoy defense and bringing energy to the team,” she said. “We continue to believe in ourselves. Our focus remains playing hard and getting better.”
On the schedule: The Bison visit Marist in Sweet 16 tourney action tonight, play Lincoln-Way East at Lake Zurich on Saturday, and host Hersey at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31.
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