Future teammates battled in a competitive small school matchup

Peoria Heights faced a tough task last night as they played 6th ranked in class 1A Illini Bluffs. Here is what I saw.

Two future teammates played against each other. Illini Bluffs senior Lily Luczkowiak and Peoria Heights senior Emily Dana played a great game. They both are commited to play basketball next year at Illinois Central College. Luczkowiak dazzled in the game as she could not be stopped. At halftime Peoria Heights led 21-17. All 17 points from Illini Bluffs were from the ICC commit Luczkowiak. She was unstoppable. She led the team with 25 points.

At the start of the 2nd half, the Tigers erased their deficit as they went on a 9-0 to make it a 26-21 lead in favor of Illini Bluffs. The patriots battled as at the end of the 3rd quarter, Illini Bluffs held a 30-29 lead. In the 4th quarter both teams answered with three pointers to make it a 33-32 Tiger lead. At the three minute mark Luczkowiak had a huge three to extend the lead to four. At the 1:30 mark, Senior Janessa Wallace made a huge three to make it a one point game. In the 4th quarter, Illini Bluffs went 2-6 from the free throw line. Illini Bluffs would sneak out a win with the final score of 43-39.

Illini Bluffs improve their record to 22-4. On the other side, Peoria Heights falls to 21-6 and they are still one win away from tying the school record in wins at 22.

Peoria Heights sophomore Ny'Aja Russell led the Patriots with 18 points.

I didn't get the chance to talk to any of the players but I will tell you it was a really good game. A great small school battle and both of these teams can make some noise in the postseason.