By Jeff Vorva
Staff Writer
This is not the way to start a championship game.
But it’s a pretty good way to finish it.
St. Laurence fell behind Rich Township, 19-0, in the Beecher Fall Classic final on Nov. 22.
While it could have been easy for rookie coach Claire Austin and her troops to accept their fate as runners-up, the Vikings staged a monumental comeback and won, 54-51.
Kathleen Martin, who was named to the all-tournament, had 18 points — all coming in the second half. Freshman Aaliyah Flores added 13 points and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
Sara Burzycki had 10 points in the comeback victory.
Naz continues streak
Nazareth took on Lincoln-Way East at the Hinsdale South Tournament and improved to 4-0 with a 44-36 victory on Nov. 25 – the same day both schools’ football teams were playing for state championships.
Olivia Austin led the Roadrunners with 11 points and Allia van Schlegell added eight.
Sandburg fourth
Sandburg finished fourth in the Brenda Whitesell Tournament after falling, 61-49, in the third-place game.
Julianna Paddock, who has endured knee injuries the past two seasons, led with 13 points. Olivia Trunk and Zoe Trunk each added eight.