\n<\/p>\n
Win or lose, Fremd \u2014 which went downstate the last two seasons and reached the Class 4A championship game a year ago \u2014 knew its game Friday would be its last on its home floor this season.<\/p>\n
The Vikings didn\u2019t get off to the start they wanted to, fouling too much and allowing too many easy baskets. But they increased the pressure in the second quarter, and senior guard Sophia McMillan was the catalyst.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018She\u2019s one of our magic puzzle pieces,\u2019\u2019 Fremd coach James Weaver said. \u2018\u2018We can put her on a big [player], put her on a small.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
McMillan raised the Vikings\u2019 defensive intensity, suffocating Barrington\u2019s ballhandlers and cutting off their every dribble. Her stifling defense forced the Broncos into multiple turnovers.<\/p>\n
Fremd took control of the game after allowing only three points in the second quarter and coasted to a 60-30 victory in the title game of a Class 4A regional to advance to the sectional semifinals.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We started pressing them as a team and being connected on the floor, [which] really helped us with getting steals,\u2019\u2019 said McMillan, who scored seven of her 11 points in the second quarter.<\/p>\n
Senior Greta Thompson was also a key to the Vikings\u2019 lockdown quarter. She used great anticipation to come up with back-to-back steals that led to Fremd baskets.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018That\u2019s the one thing that we\u2019ve been saying all playoffs: We have to play together,\u2019\u2019 said Thompson, who scored 13 points.<\/p>\n
Junior guard Grace Todd joined McMillan with 11 points, and senior forward Isabella Del Mar added four points and six rebounds.<\/p>\n
Creating havoc defensively enabled the Vikings\u2019 transition offense to thrive. Barrington wasn\u2019t ready for Fremd\u2019s run-and-jump defensive tactics.<\/p>\n
The Vikings don\u2019t have one player who dominates the ball offensively. Instead, they run a motion offense predicated on driving and kicking the ball out to open teammates to create advantages.<\/p>\n
Fremd\u2019s doesn\u2019t have the tallest players, either, but the Vikings are strong at covering for each other defensively and competing for rebounds. If a player gambles for a steal, teammates are ready to help until that player is back in position.<\/p>\n
Fremd has nine seniors on its roster. They wanted to go out in style on their home floor.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018[The game] was emotional because I care so much about this program,\u2019\u2019 Thompson said. \u2018\u2018Going into this game, I felt like, \u2018OK, we\u2019ve gotta just leave everything we have because it\u2019s our last time playing here.\u2019\u2009\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
McMillan will be done playing basketball after this playoff run, so she\u2019s soaking in every moment. She has committed to Illinois to play soccer.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018It\u2019s an amazing feeling as a senior,\u2019\u2019 McMillan said. \u2018\u2018Each game is just so surreal. Going downstate is definitely our goal.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Kenwood, the defending Class 4A champion, was upset by Hinsdale Central in its regional championship game. If the Vikings can remain as connected defensively and play with as much energy as they did against the Broncos, then they\u2019ll give themselves a chance against most teams.<\/p>\n
Fremd will play Hersey in the sectional semifinals Tuesday at Schaumburg.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Survive and advance, right?\u2019\u2019 Weaver said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n