Teams

2002-03 Naperville Central High School Girls’ Team

Year Inducted: 2011

Category: Teams

Schools / Organizations: Naperville Central High School

Biography: Naperville Central put the finishing touches on an undefeated season with a thrilling 63-59 overtime victory over (Oak Park) Fenwick High School to capture the 2003 IHSA Class AA Girls’ Basketball Championship.  It was the program’s 1st state title.  Candace Parker poured in 32 points on 13 of 19 shooting to lead the way.  Courtney Peters added 9 points for the Redhawks, Rachel Crissy chipped in with 8, Tiffany Hudson added 6, Erica Carter had 5, and Megan Martin hit a long 3 pt basket in one of the most exciting girls’ state championship games ever played.  An elated Coach Andy Nussbaum said after the game, “When we went to the overtime, I told the girls, We’ve been here before and I know how the story ends.  I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”  The game was strikingly similar to the Dundee Crown Christmas Championship, when the Redhawks defeated the Friars 55-48 in overtime.  Other exciting victories for NCHS included a 46-44 win at (Chicago) Marshall HS, the controversial 72-67 overtime win over (Naperville) Neuqua Valley HS for the sectional title, and the state semi-final win, 64-60, over (Wilmette) Regina Dominican HS.  The Redhawks final three games, including the quarterfinal 61-41 win over (Chicago Heights) Marian Catholic took place in a span of 27 hours.

Team Members in the Picture:

Back Row (L to R): Assistant Coach Jane Mucci, Athletic Trainer Bill Hughes, Candace Parker, Kristen Ludwig, Assistant Coach Patrick Keating, Meredith Daniels, Seanna O;Malley, Tiffany Hudson, Lauren Grochowski, Denise Hill, Christina Sahly, Erica Carter, Assistant Coach Nick DeGiovanni, Manager Gelisa Kornegay, Tara Hester, and Assistant Coach Alan Harris.

Front Row (L to R): (kneeling–Rachel Crissy, Molly Glanz, Courtney Peters, Megan Martin, Brittany Utrata, Liz Lawdensky, and Head Coach Andy Nussbaum.