Seniors enjoy memorable contest

HUNTLEY — A quintet of Huntley seniors took a collective bow when the Red Raiders hosted Crystal Lake South Jan. 31.

The Class of 2024 members were all in the starting lineup: Cassidy Serpe, Yasmine Morsy, Kylie Lucas, Mia Garlin and Liz Johnson. They played almost the entire game in a 62-22 Huntley romp.

Just after the opening tip, Garlin raced to a baseline corner where she made her first three-pointer. Garlin would swish two more in a nine-point night, while Lucas chipped in eight points. The seniors left the first quarter to cheers from teammates after a 15-4 lead.

“It was amazing, it felt good,” Mia Garlin said. “I remember crying at senior night a couple of years ago and I’m so happy I can have one and play basketball with my younger sister, Luca.”

Lucas shared similar thoughts.

“It really felt good,” Lucas said. “I’ve been playing basketball since fourth grade when we lived in Hampshire for their feeder program. We moved to Huntley when I was in sixth grade.”

Regular starter Serpe, who had five points, had an early start in hoops as well. She added defense is her specialty and plans to play at a D-III college. Classmate Morsy also had five points.

“I started playing basketball in park district in fourth grade and on a team in fifth grade,” Serpe said.

Meanwhile, for Johnson, it always been a triple header of sports, from kicking for the football team, to hoops, to soccer in the spring. She plans to conclude her final year at HHS with gaining 12 Huntley letters.

“I thought all the seniors played hard. We got a great effort from the entire team, as all 15 players scored,” Huntley coach Steve Raethz said.

Also given a nod were four Gators seniors.

Junior Anna Campanelli led the way for the Red Raiders with 11 points. HHS closed in on a 20-win season at 19-6, 13-1 and in first place in the FVC. Next week includes road games at McHenry Feb. 5 and Prairie Ridge Feb. 7 and Dundee-Crown Feb. 9 to close the regular season.