After losing  to Maine West 40-30 last Wednesday, Lake Zurich girls basketball coach Chris Bennett decided to hold a team meeting. “We had a talk as a team after the Maine West game about how we played,” said Bennett

The meeting might have helped against undefeated Libertyville (19-0/8-0) for about a quarter and a half.  But eventually, the Wildcats had their way with the Bears and cruised  to a 42-25 victory in Libertyville on Saturday night. 

Lake Zurich (9-13/3-5) kept the score relatively close throughout the first quarter, with Libertyville leading, 12-7.  But the Wildcats began to implement their overwhelming defense as the second quarter progressed.  Sparked by a 9-2 run early in the second quarter, they outscored the Bears 9-4 and went into halftime leading 21-11.

“I thought we started the game better, but you have to give Libertyville credit, they are a very solid team,” said Bennett.  The Bears’ Maisie Cox and Karlissa Skarb played tough on offense and defense. leading  Lake Zurich with eight points apiece.  

The Wildcat’s aggressive, swarming  defense, which has been giving teams fits all season, began to kick into high gear midway through the second quarter. Prior to that, the Bears were keeping up with Libertyville just fine.

It was in the third quarter that Libertyville’s offense began to match the stellar play of their defense, as they outscored Lake Zurich 16-4 to take a 37-15 advantage, as senior Savanna Trees scored nine of her team-high 11 points. The Wildcat’s senior Valerie Van Roeyen also scored 11 points on the night.

Lake Zurich was playing without starter Dori Darras, who was out with an injury.

Libertyville was 10 of 15 from the foul line and Lake Zurich was 5 of 9.

Libertyville shoots for their 20^th win against Zion-Benton on Tuesday. The teams have already played previously this season.

Next up: A matinee game at Lake Forest, at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 22; and at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 28 at Warren.