Grafton girls thump Nicolet

“When we play up the line — and we have the athletes to do it — and we’re capable of getting in passing lanes and tipping balls away, I think we’re a much better team.”
It didn’t help that the Knights lost starting guard Maya Fields to injury early in the second half, but Grafton was already pulling away. The Hawks outscored Nicolet, 32-5, after intermission.
“I know in practice this week coach Mike really stressed the importance of getting up the line and pressuring the ball,” Belanger said.
The Hawks passed the ball well against Nicolet’s 1-3-1 zone and worked to get open shots or penetration.
“We were very, very patient. As long as we don’t play like our hair’s on fire, we’re a much, much better basketball team,” Grzesiak said.
It was a bounceback game for the Hawks, who lost, 41-31, at Whitefish Bay (3-3 NSC) on Dec. 12. Grafton was down, 20-10, at halftime. Belanger scored 12. Block, Schmitz and Hilgart each scored six.
Ellie Clements scored 20 for Bay, including going 7-for-7 at the free-throw line.
This week, Grafton (6-2 overall) was to play at Cedarburg (4-2 NSC) on Tuesday and will then face nonconference foe Evansville in Wisconsin Dells on Dec. 28.