Knights Start Playoff Run with Dominating Performance

The Oak Creek Knights' girls basketball team began their quest for Madison with a strong opening statement Saturday night.

The Lady Knights defeated Milwaukee Hamilton 64-27 in the regional final to advance to the sectionals, where they will face South Milwaukee on Thursday.

Oak Creek was in control of the game from the opening tip. An intense, half-court pressure defense was key for the Knights, as they kept Hamilton uncomfortable on offense, creating turnovers that led to easy baskets.

The Knights opened the game on a 10-1 run and led 13-3 after the first quarter.

"We did get off to a good start," Knights head coach Steve Hluchnik said. "We talked about the tournament, that we aren't taking anybody lightly and coming out with intensity. I thought we did for the most part."

The lead would grow to 24-3 in the second quarter after Oak Creek opened on an 11-0 run.

Senior point guard Cydney Weisflog led the charge, wreaking havoc on Milwaukee Hamilton's offense by causing numerous turnovers. Weisflog and fellow senior Ashley Luke asserted their will on the offensive side of the ball.

The Knights led 30-5 at halftime, making the second half a coronation more than a competitive game. Hluchnik kept his starters in during the third quarter to keep them sharp as they move on in the playoffs.

"We talked about it at halftime, as every coach does, that it's zero to zero. I think we have enough old kids in Cyd and Luke that ... won't let the other kids get complacent," Hluchnik said.

Entering the fourth quarter up 48-16, Hluchnik got his reserves some state tournament experience in the final frame.

With the win, Oak Creek moves on to face third-seeded South Milwaukee, who defeated Milwaukee South 76-16 Saturday. The game will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Racine Case High School.