Fitzgerald helps lead NCS past Ecole Classique

Northlake Christian School’s Lady Wolverines eased past Ecole Classique, 38-18, Monday night in a non-district game played at NCS.

Northlake Christian School (6-2) got a game-high 10 points from junior Hope Fitzgerald, who also finished with four rebounds and four assists. Sophomore Angela Barrios contributed eight points, three rebounds and two assists. Jen Ryan finished with six points, while senior Kayla Fricke delivered four points, seven rebounds and three assists.

NCS raced to a 13-5 advantage in the first quarter. NCS junior point guard Molly Gaddy had a trey with Barrios and Brandi Chesne hitting a basket and a free throw each to help build the Lady Wolverines’ eight-point lead.

Fitzgerald said it wasn’t her team’s best game, but they pulled it out.

“We worked hard. We talked about picking up our defense in the locker room at halftime. Our defense really picked up in the fourth quarter,” Fitzgerald said.

“I feel like our team has really come together this year. We have lots of players back, and we have matured from last year.”

The NCS defense held Ecole Classique (1-4) to just three points in the second period, all being scored by Shelby Chaix. However, the Lady Wolverines went cold from the field and were limited to just a Fricke basket on an assist by Ryan with 2:08 left in the period. Despite going nearly six minutes without a point, NCS still led 15-8 at the half.

Ecole Classique outscored NCS 8-7 in the third quarter to tighten the game at 22-16 entering the final quarter. Ecole’s Courtney Denoux scored four of the Lady Spartans’ points in the period to finish with five points. Mallory Wittich and Olivia Dugas added baskets for Ecole to help trim the lead.

NCS’ Barrios netted three points in the third period along with baskets by Fricke and Fitzgerald.

NCS took total control in the final quarter led by Fitzgerald’s six points as the Lady Wolverines outscored Ecole, 16-2.

The Lady Spartans’ only points in the quarter came on a basket by Rachel Speyrer with 4:26 left in the game.

The NCS defense held Ecole Classique to under 10 points in each quarter. The Lady Spartans committed 24 turnovers.

NCS coach Tony Agresta praised the play of his defense.

“Defensively, we have been playing consistent all year,” Agresta said.

“In only three of our eight ball games have we given up more than 30 points. We are playing a lot more man-to-man than we have in the past. Against the good teams, you have to be able to match up.”

NCS played the game without last year’s leading scorer, freshman forward Caitlyn Anderson, who was out of town.

“She is always a big part of our offense. We missed her, but the bench really came through for us. I was pleased with how some of our younger players performed. When they entered the game, they knew what their responsibilities were,” Agresta said.