Extra Points: Oak Forest Enjoys a 'Senior' Moment

On Senior Night at Oak Forest High School, it was fitting that all four of coach Steve Schanz's seniors would get the starting nod in the Bengals' 78-33 girls basketball victory over Crete-Monee.

Three of the four scored in double digits, including Emily Missaggia. She connected on three straight 3-pointers in the early going of Monday's win.

The four girls have been playing together since their sophomore year, when Colleen Sherwood came to Oak Forest High School, though Sherwood and Missaggia played together in junior high.

Tori Dodson scored 10 points. She also had five rebounds and five steals, but just a few months ago, she was hardly even moving. Dodson has overcome hip surgery and a sprained ankle. She plans to study nursing in college.

"It was tough coming back from those injuries, but I pulled through," she said. "I'm more than happy to have played with these other girls. We grew up together. It will be fun to play the rest of the season. We're going to do well."

Sherwood was sidelined by early foul trouble and limited to two points. But she found other ways to contribute. She had three steals, four rebounds and a pair of blocks. She is the Bengals' enforcer. She leads the team with 70-plus blocks on the season.

Sherwood is also a standout in softball and will be attending Benedictine University in Springfield to play softball.

"I liked playing basketball at Oak Forest, and I don't want it to be over because I want to win, but I am excited for softball season," she said.

Colleen Emmett led all scorers with 24 points. She's undecided about playing basketball in college, but not about her Oak Forest experience. In a word, she said it's been fun.

"It was interesting and fun at the same time," Emmett said. "We're like family, I loved it."

Emily Missaggia scored 17 points. She is also undecided about playing basketball in college. Her trifecta of three-pointers helped seal the deal fot the Bengals.

"I just went out and played hard because it was Senior Night," Missaggia said. "We've all become good friends, and I'm going to miss everyone. I'm hoping to play softball in college."

Schanz was proud of the play of his seniors.

"They have all played a lot of minutes, and they always play hard if they start or not," he said. "It's been great having this group of seniors."