East Peoria Sectional

The East Peoria Sectional will be a competitive one as there are three state ranked teams in the sectional. I talked with some of the players to hear what they think about the challenge it will be to win the sectional.  

In this sectional three out of the four teams are state ranked. Lincoln, Morton, and Washington. This sectional will be a fun one. Lincoln, who is the number one ranked team in the state and also the number one seed in the sectional, looks to have their first ever state title.

I talked to Morton’s Addy Engel about sectionals. “I think that we are just focused on controlling what we can control. We can’t always dictate how well we shoot or the calls that get made, but we can always control our attitude and effort. We need to be focused on executing our game plan, and most importantly we want to play together and enjoy the moment!”

"I have been extremely lucky to be able to play for Coach Becker these past four years. I grew up watching all of the Morton teams that went to state, and it’s been really cool to get to be a part of the program and the culture that he’s created. He has high expectations and pushes us to be the best that we can be everyday, and he puts a lot of time into doing so. He also cares about each of us as individuals and not just players, which is really special.”

"Our goal from the start of the season has been to make a deep run in the postseason, and that hasn’t changed. We also have been working this whole season in order to be playing our best basketball right now, so we just want to leave it all on the court and trust the work that we’ve put in."

I talked to Washington's Avery Tibbs about playing against Morton in sectionals. “The past few days in practice we have really been keying in on our defense and playing together as a team and trusting one another.”

 What’s it like knowing that you have had a lot of success in your high school career and you’re only a sophomore? “It’s pretty awesome to see what this team has done together so far at such a young age but we don’t use age as an excuse anymore and we still have a lot more work to be done together as a group.”

I talked to Lincoln’s Kloe Froebe.

How does the team feel coming into sectionals? “Our team is locked in on what we want to accomplish this season. We know we have to be ready every game because every team is giving us their best game. We have battled thru some illness the last week or so, but we are ready to go!”

Kloe says the team has three goals this year. "Number one and ultimate goal- would be to bring home the first team State Championship to Lincoln and RailerNation. 2. Being the best role models on and off the court that we can be. 3. Enjoying all these final moments with each other."

Teams

Lincoln 33-0

The undefeated Lincoln Railers were close to perfection last year losing in the state championship to Nazareth Academy. The Lady Railers look for their first state title in their programs history. They will play Kankakee in the sectional semifinals. Kloe Froebe is the player to watch. She is a potential Ms. Illinois basketball candidate this year and is committed to Colorado State.

Kankakee 22-9

Washington 23-6

With a talented group of sophomores, this Lady Panthers team is a team you don't want to mess with. They are facing a familiar foe in conference rivals the Morton Potters. Both teams have won in the 2 matchups this year. This time they play with their seasons on the line. Players to watch, Becca McDougall, Avery Tibbs, Mazy O'Brien.

Morton 25-5

Coach Becker's Potters are back into the mix for a state run. Morton has had a ton of success throughout the years and look to add on with sectional title. Players to watch, Addy Engel, VanMeenen sisters.

Who will win the East Peoria sectionals? Find out this Thursday.