OPRF girls basketball’s Caroline Kelty and Stekara Hall play on the same AAU club team, so Kelty knows what needs to be done if her teammate isn’t feeling her best.
With Hall, OPRF’s leading scorer, battling flu-like symptoms before Saturday’s West Suburban (Silver) Conference game, Kelty stepped up big time to lead the Huskies to a 63-57 victory over Downers Grove North (2-8, 0-3). The junior guard scored a career-high 28 points to go along with six steals, six assists and six rebounds. Ten of her 28 points came in the crucial fourth quarter.
“Those numbers add up to a devilishly good game,” said head coach Bob Biggins of Kelty’s line. “Knowing Stekara was under the weather, both Caroline and Biz really stepped up.”
Biz Mullins hit four three-pointers in the first half to stake the Huskies to a 34-26 lead by the break. OPRF (2-8, 2-2) also received contributions from Hall and Jasmine Walker, who finished with nine and eight points respectively.
Earlier last week, the Huskies got off to a good start against Lyons Township but weren’t able to finish strong, falling to the Lions 57-48. Kelty hit two three-pointers in the first quarter to kick things off and help her team to a 14-12 lead. But poor shooting put the Huskies in a tailspin as they trailed 29-23 by halftime. As a team, the Huskies shot less than 25 percent from the field.
“We struggled throughout the game both at the free-throw line and finishing drives,” said Biggins of the loss to Lyons. “LT played tougher inside and cashed in at the free-throw line. We’re at somewhat of a loss to explain our defense as we had stressed that in preparation for this game.
“I have to give credit to coach Katie Meyers and LT; their team looked poised and ready to win in the last minutes while we continued to struggle.”
Kelty led OPRF with 13 points, while Hall finished with 10. Emily Vachon chipped in eight points and eight rebounds.
“We’ll continue to work, and hope our play picks up as this has been [somewhat] of a frustrating stretch for all involved,” added Biggins.
Together with students from Fenwick, the OPRF girls basketball team is assisting with an Opportunity Knocks food drive, which, Biggins said, will culminate with his team hosting Fenwick Wednesday night (6 p.m.). The Huskies also host Hinsdale Central on Friday (7:30 p.m.).
