Area prep sports roundup: Coal City, Newark win quarterfinal games at Lisle

LISLE - Coal City advanced to the championship semifinal round of the 16-team Lisle Girls Basketball Holiday Cage Classic Saturday by defeating Chicago Christian by a 44-21 final. Kirsten Verdun exploded for 23 points with 7-for-8 shooting from the free-throw line, 15 rebounds and 3 steals to lead the Lady Coalers. Sydney Sherman turned in 7 points and 7 rebounds and Kelsey Mikula 5 points, 6 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals from Coal City, which trailed 10-8 after the first quarter but won the second 14-4 and the third 12-4. “I thought our girls played outstanding defense, limiting a good team to 21 points,” said Coal City coach Brad Schmitt. “We need to continue that type of play to compete in this tournament. Kirsten Verdun had another b