Minooka rebounded from a tough loss to Plainfield North to rally and beat Plainfield East last Tuesday at East.
The Indians used their two experienced leaders to guide the team to victory as Sydney Arlis scored 18 points and Brooklyn Bachmann added nine in the 40-34 win.
“They both stepped up and that is what you would expect out of them,” Liberatore said. “Sydney is in her fourth year starting and Brooklyn is in her third year starting and they did step up. Their pressure is so relentless on you and I think we played under control and with a lot of poise tonight.”
“I tried to do anything I can to help my team win,” Arlis said. “If I need to score I try to score. If someone else is hot, I try to feed them the ball. Whatever it takes to get the win.”
Typically the Bengals are a second half team, but the Indians were able to keep the pace to their liking.
“We got the pace more of a half court game and we needed that,” Liberatore said. “We can pick our spots to run and we needed a pace like that.”
Brooklyn Bachmann scored nine points in Minooka’s win over Plainfield East.
“It was really nice to come out and be confident in ourselves,” Arlis said. “In our loss Friday, we were a
little nervous and throwing the ball away. Tonight we were confident and knew we could win.
“We know that we are never going to give up. We push each other in practice and know that in the fourth quarter that pays off and we’re able to give it our all.”
The conference is already beating up on each other early in the season, so Minooka knows it is right in the thick of the race.
“After three games, one team is undefeated,” Liberatore said. “That is what I thought coming in. It is very balanced. I’m glad we were able to get that second win tonight.”
So far the Indians are 5-3 overall, 2-1 in the SPC and have been solid both in conference and out.
“We’ve been up-and-down,” Liberatore said. “In the LaGrange Tournament, we played some very quality teams. I’m hoping that is going to pay dividends as we go through the season.”
“We’ve been doing great,” Arlis said. “A lot of the younger girls are stepping up. We all have great team chemistry and want each other to succeed. Everyone is always excited for each other and I’m excited to be part of this team.”
While it has been Arlis and Bachmann leading the way, Arlis is confident in other players stepping up throughout the year.
“There is a little bit of pressure, but a lot of our players have stepped up,” Arlis said. “Honestly, anyone on our team on any night can have a great scoring game. I’m not too worried about it and know that if I’m off on a night, someone else will step up and fill that role.”
The Indians are excited about what lies ahead for them the rest of the year.
“I want us to keep getting better,” Liberatore said. “I think we proved tonight if we play well we can compete with any team in the conference. We need to play well defensively and share the basketball.”
“I think we have great things ahead of us,” Arlis said. “I’ so excited for what is in store for us.”