Chicago-Area High School Football News and Scores | Season Pass

Expectations have been raised for Joliet Catholic.

That was evident than after Tuesday’s 82-40 road win at Plainfield Central.

“It’s a fun system we run on offense and defense, but I feel like we didn’t play our best (Tuesday),” Joliet Catholic’s Jasmine Lumpkin said. “I know we’re capable of playing better basketball than we did (Tuesday).”

The Angels did struggle at times, going through lapses on offense and defense, but when they were good, they were very good.

Lumpkin scored 19 points and added five rebounds, five steals and three blocks for Joliet Catholic (6-1). Trevonya McClain (14 points), Lauren Vanisko (11) and Christine Ekhomu (10) also contributed to the scoring parade.

Running the fast break on offense and pressing like crazy on defense, the Angels were dominant in the first quarter, shooting 12-of-16 from the floor and forcing nine turnovers on the way to a 26-10 lead.

The second quarter was much of the same, with Vanisko hitting two three-pointers and Lumpkin and McClain scoring two buckets apiece inside.

After an impressive first half, Joliet Catholic coach Ed Schodrof wasted little time pulling his starters when he was less than satisfied with the effort he saw early in the third period.

“We know what we’re capable of, and our defense was not good (Tuesday),” Schodrof said. “We can’t play like that if we want to compete with the teams in our conference.”

Central drew as close as 52-37 on an Alexis Pease midrange jumper late in the third, but the Wildcats got no closer. Joliet Catholic’s rejuvenated starters pulled away for good in the fourth.

Dana Dominguez and Jasmine Cortez scored eight apiece for the Wildcats (2-5).

“It’s only seven games into the season, and we’re learning,” Central coach Mark Krusz said. “We’re learning the hard way right now. We’ll learn how to handle that pressure.”