Team-first Ashley Herzing helps Hampshire reach the 20-win mark. But the regional is next. ‘I can’t wait.’

Junior guard Ashley Herzing takes to the basketball court with a philosophy that is emblematic of how Hampshire has decided to play this season as a team.

Herzing doesn’t feel the need to score in bulk, although she has shown the ability to do so if needed. She focuses instead on doing whatever the Whip-Purs need at a particular time.

And she doesn’t worry about her stats.

“I think we need a calming voice on the court, and I hope to be that as a captain and a leader,” Herzing said. “I always want to contribute something, especially in games where I don’t have the most points or the most rebounds. You can always contribute effort, energy and attitude.

“That’s what I try to bring every game.”

Herzing showed that Monday night in the third quarter of a 60-49 Fox Valley Conference victory at Prairie Ridge.

In the first half, Herzing got into foul trouble, sitting out the final seven minutes of the second quarter. In that time, a big early lead evaporated, resulting in a 26-26 halftime tie.

With Herzing back in the lineup in the third quarter, Hampshire (20-9, 14-2) began on a 13-0 run. There was a four-possession stretch with Herzing’s fingerprints all over it.

She was fouled on consecutive drives to the basket, hitting all four free throws. She then found Lia Saunders for a layup and Whitney Thompson for a 3-pointer, getting assists on both baskets.

“Even though she has the ability to score, I’ve been really proud of her since her freshman year,” Hampshire coach Eric Samuelson said. “She’s grown as far as understanding that when she passes, she actually becomes more dangerous.

“Now, they can’t just key in on her. So when Whitney or Lia or (Kaitlyn Milison) or anyone else is scoring, Ashley becomes more open.”

That’s been the deal during Hampshire’s breakout season, and it continued Monday. Thompson led the Whip-Purs with 14 points, Saunders added 12 and Herzing had nine.

“We’re very diverse,” Herzing said. “Every game, it’s somebody different. I think that’s the nice thing about us. We can’t have a clean scouting report because we all contribute in different ways.”

Samuelson also lauded Thompson’s role in that process.

“What I love right now about this team is, yeah, Ashley and Lia can score, but Whitney just continues every game to be our most balanced player,” Samuelson said. “She brings a little bit in each stat column, and we wouldn’t be at 20 wins without her.”

That’s all been a part of Samuelson’s plan to build the program back up. Hampshire went a combined 14-29 the past two seasons.

Now, the Whip-Purs have already won 20 games and will finish second behind Huntley in conference.

“What I kept telling them is believe in what we’re trying to accomplish here,” Samuelson said. “It’s a challenge now, but as a former player myself, I know what it looks like to build.”

Herzing, who has been around for the building process, is enjoying the reward.

“To have 20 wins this season, it’s incredible,” Herzing said. “I love these girls like sisters, so to have it with them is amazing.”

Hampshire, seeded third in its subsectional of the Class 4A South Elgin Sectional, opens the Rockford East Regional at 7:30 p.m. Monday against Machesney Park Harlem.

A showdown with second-seeded Rockton Hononegah could follow as the Whip-Purs take aim at their first regional title since the 2011-12 season.

“We’re so excited,” Herzing said. “I can’t wait. I really hope we win a regional. It’s been forever. The fact that we have 20 wins already is amazing, but to take home a regional would be great — the cherry on top.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.