Thornton led for just one possession before St. Charles East guard Corinne Reed answered right back with a three-pointer.
St. Charles East (10-2) would never trail again in Monday’s 71-45 win over Thornton. The Saints were forcing steals with their press to wrangle control of the game initially.
“We have a lot of lengthy, athletic players out on the floor all at once, and so we get a lot of tips, which leads to easy buckets,” coach Katie Claussner said. “Before you know it, you look up, and you’re like, ‘Oh, we have a 10-point lead.”’
Monday was just the first step for the Saints at the Montini Christmas Tournament. With a talented field that includes Benet, Lyons, Montini and Fremd, the Saints have a chance to prove they can compete with the best teams in the state. They just have to seize the opportunity.
“This year is to prove to teams that we’re a contending team,” said Reed, who scored 20 points and grabbed four rebounds. “We got Bennett on Thursday, so if we can prove something in that game — whether we win or lose — I think it’s something for us to prove every game we come out here.”
St. Charles East finished 19-13 last season, fifth in the DuKane conference. But the Saints opened some eyes this season after beating Prospect and Glenbrook South. In addition to Reed’s scoring excellence, the Saints have junior guard Addie Schilb and her sister, freshman guard Brooklyn Schilb. The sisters are critical to the Saints’ defense because of their length and athleticism to create turnovers. The Saints forced 15 turnovers in the first half.
“It’s a lot different than last year,” Reed said. “The energy is a lot different. We all came in with a new mindset.”
The Saints’ only losses this season have come against Waubonsie Valley. The hot start energized the Saints, and they want to keep that momentum going at the Montini Christmas Tournament.
The Saints’ success starts with Reed, an Akron commit. She can score from the midrange or the three-point line and is a primary decision-maker for the Saints. Her favorite player is Hornets guard LaMelo Ball; you can see it in her play style. She plays with a smoothness bordering on nonchalantness. She hit two long threes well behind the three-point line to start the third quarter.
“She’s our main ballhandler, so we can always count on her to shoot the three,” said junior Addie Schilb, who scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds.
Reed’s role requires her to shape-shift depending on what her team needs on the court. Malleability is a calling card, but one constant is the energy she brings. Coach Katie Claussner said that Reed has been showing up in all aspects of the game and contributing wherever her team needs her to.
Since Reed’s a team captain, she knows the weight her presence carries. Whether it’s dapping up teammates on the bench, or talking her team through a defensive possession, Reed’s voice is felt throughout the team.
“As much energy as I have, the team’s going to have,” Reed said. “I can instill that energy into our whole team.”
What’s helped the Saints is consistency. The tenacity and effort never change despite the score. But St. Charles East isn’t content with its 10-2 start. The Saints want to continue growing and improving. A strong showing at the Montini Christmas Tournament can launch the Saints into the second half of the season.
“We have a lot more in us, and we’re ready to prove it at this tournament,” Klaussner said.