Loyola sprints past formidable Fremd to take win streak to 14

Despite Loyola girls basketball’s undefeated championship run last season, two early losses this year quieted the hype around the Ramblers.

Their statement on Monday, though, was too loud to ignore.

Loyola dismantled highly ranked Fremd (17-5), winning 66-41 on Monday, Jan. 20, as part of the Coach Kipp Hoopfest at Benet Academy. The Ramblers margin of victory (25 points) was higher than the Vikings’ other four losses combined (22 points).

Loyola coach Jeremy Schoenecker said his team has rounded into form during its 14-game winning streak, and Monday’s victory may be the Ramblers’ peak thus far.

“It was the best defensive effort we’ve had all season long I thought,” Schoenecker said. “I think our defense got our offense going. … We always say this: Defense travels.

“I think we’re getting better and better each day.”

Loyola star senior Aubrey Galvan dropped 21 points, and her third-quarter performance put the game away early.

Along the way, Galvan eclipsed 1,000 points as a Rambler, accomplishing the feat in less than two seasons. As a high-schooler, Galvan has more than 1,700 points with a portion scored during her two years with Deerfield High School.

While Galvan shines the brightest for Loyola, the Ramblers other stars were out on Monday as well. Junior Clare Weasler finished with 13 points, seniors Grace Bronski and Nora Emerson had 9 and 8, respectively, and junior Marycait Mackie had 5 to go with a team-high 7 rebounds.

“If we get that kind of production from our other four starters, we’re pretty tough to beat,” Schoenecker said.

The offensive numbers are nice, but for Loyola it is often its defensive pressure that wins the day.

Emerson said the Ramblers went in to Monday with a gameplan to knock the Vikings out of rhythm, and they executed it.

“I think our defense is what started it all,” she said. “The ball pressure from everyone and knowing our roles and executing them really sent Fremd into like a frantic state, which is what we wanted so that we could control the game.

“We knew if we could force them to do things they don’t want to, they are not as great.” 

The Ramblers’ last loss was on Dec. 13 to St. Ignatius. Emerson and company have since smoothed out the wrinkles.

Of their 14 straight wins, 13 have come by at least 16 points. In January, Loyola is 7-0 with an average margin of victory of 26 points.

“We feel so much more connected as one. That’s a huge thing, especially for a team like this,” Emerson said. “It’s just night and day, us in December and us now. We’ve learned to play with each other a lot better and learned our strengths and how to play with them. And it’s shown in how we’ve improved.”

The Ramblers have five more regular-season contests before the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference tournament begins on Feb. 3. Key matchups include Mother McAuley (14-8) on the road on Jan. 23, Prospect (17-5) on the road on Jan. 29, and Glenbrook South (15-7) on the road on Jan. 30.  

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