Dee Mack PND Sectional Championship Preview

It’s a sectional championship rematch between PND and Dee Mack. I talked to Dee Mack’s Dalia Dejesus about the upcoming clash. 

These two teams played each other in the sectional championship last season. PND beat Dee Mack and eventually won the state championship. “I think outside of basketball fundamentals, we just want it so bad. My freshman year we lost to Quincy Notre Dame in the super sectionals and then last year in the championship to Peoria ND, so I think the thought of that happening for a third year gets us amped up. We have a hardworking group and a hardworking group of seniors that don’t want to be done in any bit. We’re at the point in our season where we have to rely heavily on the style of game we’ve been playing and also our community—which has always been awesome to rally behind us.” 

This senior class has been a part of three straight 30+ win seasons and back to back undefeated conference titles. I asked Dalia how this senior class made such a big impact in Dee Mack basketball? “Their dedication is unmatched. 3/4 are going to college to play softball, but they continue to show up every single day with a growth mindset. They want to be better and they want the best for all of us as well. We’re also all very close off the court, which helps our chemistry for sure.”

The small town of Mackinaw knows how to support this team. They had a huge crowd in the semifinals and is expected to be a bigger crowd tonight. 

“It’s incredible to have, but no surprise to us. They’ve supported us since the very beginning and no matter where we are playing they’re always there to cheer us on. It’s an incredible environment to be playing in front of and drives us to perform that much better.”

Preview

Both teams have 30+ wins seasons just like the last time they played. These two teams are the best 2A teams in the area and are ready for another clash for a sectional title. Peoria Notre Dame is coming into this game winning 12 straight games. Dee Mack has won 13 straight games. This is a 2A game that will most likely be the game of the year in small school basketball. It’s only a matter of time before we know who gets to raise that sectional plaque.