Huntley girls basketball improved to 7-1 overall and remains undefeated in the conference after a hard fought win against Hampshire, 36-22.

The Red Raiders defense was a large reason why they were able to get the win against the Whip-Purs. Their defense has been locked down all season, making it tough for the opposing team to score.

Even without starting senior Jori Heard due to injury, Huntley kept Hampshire to single digits all four quarters and only allowed Hampshire to score one point in the fourth quarter. Defense has been a principle for Head Coach Steve Raethz and the girls all year long.

“We hang our hat on defense,” Raethz said. “It was a physical, grind-it-out game.”

Sammi Campanelli led the Red Raiders in scoring with 12 points all in the second half. Jessie Ozzauto added 10. Mallory Winters chipped in with eight points and led the team with seven rebounds.

Campanelli is one of the best defenders on Huntley’s team. She is someone the Red Raiders can trust guarding anybody. 

“She’s a really good player on both ends,” Raethz said. “She brings such great toughness, we can always count on her to guard the best perimeter player on the other team. She welcomes that challenge and does a great job with it.”

Ozzauto has led the team in scoring so far this season. She was named Fox Valley All-Conference last season as a sophomore. This year, she is looking to improve on that and win the conference with her team.

“I think we just work so well together, and we all trust each other,” Ozzauto said. “Defensively is where it starts because it leads to offense, and we’re strong with the ball.”

This Red Raider team has everything you need to win a conference title. They can score, rebound, and defend at high levels. They are on top of the FVC standings for good reason

It is a long season, but if Huntley keeps improving, they can make it far in the playoffs.

“The goal is to win conference,” Campanelli said. “And I know we can do it. We believe we can do it. We’re a talented team and we have a lot of experience.”

“We just want to get better each game and take it one at a time,” Ozzauto said. “Mentally you’ve just got to stay strong because it’s a long season, but we’re all really tough. Last year taught us not to take anything for granted. We’re ready.”