Last night’s girls basketball showdown between No. 1 St. Frances and No. 2 Arundel lived up to its billing with St. Frances pulling out a 56-45 victory, but something was missing – Arundel’s 6-foot-3 All-Metro forward Simone Egwu.

Egwu suffered an ankle injury while running during volleyball season and hasn't been able to play in a game since. That was a month ago and it might be another month before her ankle is ready.

"It’s just frustrating because you want to be out there helping your team do everything that you can, but unfortunately I just had to do my best from the sidelines," Egwu said after last night's game.

The Wildcats sure could have used her, because 6-foot-4 All-Metro center Sheronne Vails, who had 18 points and 17 rebounds, drew a lot of defensive pressure late in the game. She could have used more help especially with another Wildcats’ six-footer, senior forward Naimah Kimbrue, also out with a torn ACL.

Panthers coach Jerome Shelton said Egwu, who averaged 16.1 points and 10.5 rebounds last season, would have changed things considerably.

"This would have been a whole different game. There’s no doubt about that," he said. "I think she’s more physical in the post and makes strong post moves. She’s very good at drawing fouls. I remember that from the previous years, but she’s also a pretty good post passer too. She’s unselfish with the ball and she knows how to find her teammates, so I think some of that was missing too."

Arundel coach Lee Rogers said he wants to bring Egwu along slowly -- he would certainly rather have her healthy come state tournament time than risk exacerbating the injury now. He said he's not sure when she will return. Egwu said she hopes to be back in January.

--Katherine Dunn