Deere to keep pushing
H-F freshman scores 10 points as Vikings roll past Lockport
It can be pretty scary to be a varsity starter as a freshman for a prestigious girls basketball program like the one at Homewood-Flossmoor.
Aunyai Deere can attest to that.
“Oh, yeah, it works my nerves a little,” Deere said, smiling. “I just try to keep pushing, because I know I have a team behind me that’s going to help me get through.”
The most knowledgeable of which is Syracuse recruit Alyssa Latham, the senior leader on a team filled otherwise with underclassmen.
“I learn so many things from her,” Deere said. “She teaches me different moves and about me finishing. Any time I need something outside of the court, she’ll help me with it. That’s what I love about her.”
Deere did some leading herself Thursday night for the host Vikings in a 62-32 SouthWest Suburban Blue victory over visiting Lockport in Flossmoor.
Latham led the way for H-F (12-6, 3-1) with 20 points and six rebounds. Jaeda Murphy added 19 points and five rebounds, while Deere contributed 10 points.
Veronica Bafia had six points and five rebounds for Lockport (13-13, 0-4). Lucy Hynes added six points, while Kaya Osinski chipped in with five.
Deere, a 5-foot-7 guard, has started every game this season. She’s averaging seven points, four rebounds and three assists.
In Thursday’s win, she was the key in helping the Vikings race to a 22-7 lead during the first quarter with a 3-pointer and a layup.
The final minute of the third quarter belonged to her.
Deere scored one basket on a running jumper. On H-F’s next possession, she drove the lane and then made a beautiful dish to Latham for a layup. Her finale was a backcourt steal and a court-length dash to the basket for a bank-in.
What a burst of energy.