Talent depth on display for girls hoops: McFadden has 12-point game

HUNTLEY — Huntley’s girls basketball team often shows its talent depth en route to a 21-4 record.

The trend continued as sophomore Ava McFadden was up to the task in roles of more playing time in recent Fox Valley Conference contests.

Such games included a 12-point effort from McFadden in a 55-31 win over Prairie Ridge Jan. 20. She helped as starters Anna Campanelli and Morgan McCaughn were out with injuries but have since returned to the lineup. Junior Cassidy Serpe also is a key substitute.

“McFadden shot the ball well,” HHS head coach Steve Raethz said after the win victory over the Wolves. “It’s her first varsity season and she has done a solid job on defense and shoots 45 % from the floor. She gives us strength off the bench as we had two starters out. Our depth has been a team strength.”

“I was a little rusty in warm-ups, but they just went in,” McFadden said.

McFadden, who also plays softball, began her basketball career early.

“I started playing basketball in the fourth grade in the feeder program,” McFadden said. “The offense was more difficult for me. The upperclassmen, Jessica Ozzauto and Sammi Campanelli, have really helped me.”

Big game ahead

Huntley reached 12-0 in the Fox Valley Conference with a 48-23 win over Cary-Grove Jan. 28. Huntley will host Hampshire at 7 p.m. Jan. 30. The Red Raiders were one game ahead of Hampshire (17-8 overall) in the league with six league games left.

“It will be a battle of two good teams as they have most of their players back from last year and are playing very well,” Raethz said of the Whip-Purs.

Other FVC game

HHS cruised past Jacobs 54-23 Jan. 25, led by Ozzauto’s 19 points.