(Sugar Grove, IL) - Waubonsee Community College's Women's Basketball team played its first home game in over 14 months on Thursday evening. The Chiefs hosted the College of Lake County in the second of five scrimmage games they are set to compete in this Spring after not having a regular 2020-2021 season due to the coronavirus pandemic. Waubonsee, which had dominated the Lancers two nights ago in Grayslake, duplicated that effort in an 80-44 rout in Erickson Hall.
Just as she had in the first meeting between the two teams, Janiece Thomas turned in a stellar all-around performance for the Chiefs. The sophomore from Metea Valley High School booked 19 points, grabbed eight rebounds and handed out five assists. On Tuesday evening in the Chiefs' 67-30 romp on the Lancers' home court Thomas tallied 14 points, snagged 10 rebounds, dished out four assists and blocked three shots. Evelyn Martin registered a double-double in that game as well as she added 13 points and hauled down 15 boards, while Melia Perry contributed 13 points and had three steals.
In the rematch in Sugar Grove the Chiefs raced out to a big lead early on. Waubonsee took control by grabbing a 28-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The Chiefs built that lead to 30 points early in the second period before the Lancers shots began to fall. Midway through the second quarter the Lancers clawed their way back to within 18 points, but that is as close as they would get as Waubonsee headed to the locker room with a 40-20 lead. The teams played even through the third quarter with the Chiefs holding a 55-33 lead heading into the final period. Bouyed by four long range baskets Waubonsee then pulled away in fourth quarter to nearly duplicate the point differential from the previous meeting.
Besides Thomas the Chiefs got solid contributions from several other players as well. Lily Fernandez chipped in with 18 points, including a pair of three-point baskets. Martin booked another double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Maddie Jude powered her way to 17 points. Perry tallied nine points, grabbed eight boards and was credited with nine assists before spraining her ankle midway through the fourth quarter.
Waubonsee is in action again on Tuesday, May 4 when they host Oakton Community College in a 6:00 p.m. contest. Although fans are not currently allowed at the Chiefs' indoor games, they are being streamed 'live' on-line at www.GoChiefs.com