Analysis: First, Third Quarters Key for Evergreen Park

Evergreen Park wasted little time utilizing its home-court advantage against Chicago Perspectives in the opening game of the Evergreen Park Regional. 

Guard Emma Point scored eight of the first 13 Mustangs’ points and finished with a game-high 21 in Monday night's 61-29 victory over the Warriors.

“She (Emma) came out with a hot hand and kept it for most of the game,” Evergreen Park coach Dave O’Rourke said. 

The Warriors were able to slow down the Mustangs with aggressive zone pressure defense after an early timeout. They held the Mustangs scoreless for nearly eight full minutes, frustrating the guards at the top of the key and the forwards down on the blocks by contesting every single pass and play. 

“We got a little relaxed, a little lazy,” O’Rourke said. 

The Warriors, however, weren’t able to capitalize on their good fortune, closing the gap to 18-12. They also had a hard time keeping control of the ball in the second quarter, committing a total of nine turnovers. 

Two late three-pointers by Courtney Karstand and Point gave the Mustangs back their double-digit lead and some swagger going into halftime.

Forward Megan Beckow, who’d been held silent in the first half, came forward with a dominant third-quarter performance to bouy the Mustangs. She scored 10 of Evergreen Park's 20 points, had four rebounds and a steal. With so much emphasis on Point at the top, Beckow was able to take advantage of the situation and help widen the gap for the Mustangs and put the game out of reach for good.

“She did a great job contributing and helping set the tone for us in the second half,” O’Rourke said. 

Strange Opening: The game began not with a tip-off, but free throws. Chicago Perspectives committed an IHSA uniform violation, which meant the Mustangs were awarded two free throws and the ball after a technical foul. Mustangs guard Courtney Karstand did the honors and split the two shots. She finished with four points. 

Stats Pack: In the first and third quarters, the Mustangs shot a combined 16-for-28 from the field, totaling 38 points. The Warriors shot 5-for-23 from the field. 

Play of the Night: Mustangs guard Megan Beckow missed a wide-open layup in the third quarter. She grabbed her own rebound and, with a body in front of her, pushed up a second layup that went in, giving the Mustangs a 37-18 lead. 

Wednesday’s Game: O’Rourke on the Mustangs' matchup vs. Morgan Park: “They’re a great team. We got a chance to watch them on TV in the CPS tournament, and they are a very talented team. We look forward to playing them. It’ll be a good challenge and a fun challenge for us.”

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