The East Gym looked a little different Friday night as it was filled with red and white streamers and balloons, neon posters, and a senior-packed starting lineup as the Huntley Red Raiders took on the Grayslake Central Rams.  Although the energy was high for the Red Raiders, the team would not meet it, falling to the Rams 47-42 on senior night.

The Red Raiders (21-6) were strong throughout the first and second quarters, leading 24-16 at the half with Sam Andrews having eight points at the half and her sister, Ali Andrews, having 12.  But, a shaky third quarter would put the Red Raiders in a hole they could never make up.

“The third quarter was defensively our worst quarter of the season,” said head coach Steve Raethz.  “The effort was inexcusable in the second half.”

The Rams went on a 23-0 run for about 11 minutes in the second half until junior Bethany Zornow sparked the Red Raiders comeback.  But, as the Red Raiders began to gain some traction, senior Haley Ream fouled out with 1:43 left in the game.  Huntley would come within two, but it would not be enough for the win.

“We played with urgency too late in the game,” said Raethz.  “We played like individuals up until the last few minutes of the game.”

Morgan Dahlstrom was the leading scorer for the Rams (18-10), finishing with 21 points.

“Morgan is a great player for us,” said Grayslake Central coach Steve Ikenn.  “She really stepped up for us tonight, which is what great players do.”

This loss will mark the last game of the regular season, and the last home game for the Red Raiders as they take on the DeKalb Barbs in the Belvidere North Regional Tuesday night.

“We definitely need to put our focus on defense these next few days,” said Raethz. “We need to refocus ourselves and get ready for Tuesday.”