Trinity High School basketball coach Kim Coleman was thrilled with an invitation to participate in this year’s Chicago Elite Classic.
“I was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago. Anytime you can play where you’re from, in your roots, it’s a great opportunity,” Coleman said.
She had more reason to be happy after Trinity staged a fourth-quarter rally to knock off Butler Prep 56-52, Dec. 7, at Malcolm X College. She said the Blazers’ poise from their top players down the stretch was the key to victory.
“Chloe [Santos] played with composure, Destiny Sacluti played with composure, Zaria Goins played with composure, and I thought Keyera [Gamble] had a really good game,” Coleman said.
Gamble, a sophomore, was named Player of the Game after finishing the night with 11 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. Coleman likes how she is progressing this year.
“She’s made a huge leap for us. She is the true definition and example of just trusting the process,” she said. “Last year, she sat behind some post players whom she learned a lot from; now she’s front and center.”
Trinity (5-1) built up a 37-31 lead midway through the third quarter, but Butler ended it with a 16-4 run to take a 47-41 lead going into the final eight minutes.
The Blazers gradually chipped away and trimmed the deficit to one with about three minutes left in regulation. Then Sacluti (12 points) drilled a three-pointer to give Trinity a 54-52 lead. After stopping the Lynx on defense, Santos (14 points, seven rebounds) scored inside with 20 seconds left to secure the win.
Goins finished with 14 points, including nine in the second half. Although the record indicates that Trinity is off to a good start, Coleman believes her team can play better.
“We’re doing OK. We have goals and expectations, and we want to be at a certain place,” she said. “We understand that it’s early, and we want to peak at the right time.”
Trinity has a home game this week against Montini Catholic, Dec. 11, at 6:30 p.m., followed by a game with TF North in the Showcase in the Park event at Kenwood, Dec. 13.
Kenwood 66, Fenwick 30
Fenwick coach Lenae Fergerson knew her team was in for a challenge at Malcolm X against Kenwood, the defending IHSA Class 4A state champions.
“They’re a good team,” she said.
The Broncos (7-1) looked like they’ll be a state contender again this season as they rolled past the Friars 66-30. Former Fenwick player Darryelle Smith was named Player of the Game with 13 points and nine rebounds.
Fergerson wasn’t so much disappointed with the loss as she realized Fenwick was the underdog. What concerned her more was Kenwood’s lopsided performance.
“I felt like we didn’t compete the way I think we can,” she said. “That score does not truly indicate how good we can be. If we competed and defended like we normally can, it would’ve been a much better ballgame. It’s a learning experience for us.”
Sophomores Eleanor Gibson and Avani Williams each had eight points to lead Fenwick (3-4).
“We’re young. The girls we depend on are [Gibson and Williams],” Fergerson said. “They’re learning and adjusting, coming into their own. I don’t have any complaints; they’ll be fine.”
Fergerson added that inconsistent play has been an issue for the Friars early on, something she hopes gets rectified soon.
“We have the talent,” she said, “and know what we’ve got to do, but it’s just not put together. It’s a long season, and I’m hopeful we’ll put it together. For me, what’s important is how we’re playing in February; as long as we come together by then, I’m good.”
Fenwick visits Mother McAuley for a Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Red game, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m.