The 5-8 sophomore currently tops the NIU charts with 12.4 points per outing, including three contests with 20 or more points. No, it's not one of those fantasy basketball teams you might find on the latest hot-selling computer game. This year marks the 25th year the IHSA has sponsored girls' basketball in Illinois high schools. NIU has allowed 54.8 points per game in its last five outings, limiting Miami to 50, Bowling Green to 58 and Central Michigan to 55 before Buffalo managed only 55. That marked the 12th time this year Northern Illinois has held an opponent under 40 percent, with ten of those efforts coming in the last 11 games.
Successful teams have more than one way to win games.
So a glance at recent box scores shows why it's not surprising that Northern Illinois has won eight of its last 11. Versus Miami, NIU limited the RedHawks to 39 percent shooting and only allowed eight free throw attempts. Defense was the key again at Buffalo as Northern Illinois yielded just four field goals on 18 percent shooting in the second half. Huskie coach Carol Hammerle has one of the youngest teams in the Mid-American Conference, but consider this one. Through 22 games this season, the Huskies' leaders in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals are all underclassmen.