Lincoln PND

This Saturday, two state ranked teams will battle at the Renaissance Colosseum at Bradley University. The varsity game will start at 7:00 pm.

Kloe Froebe, Lincoln's All State Guard and Colorado State commit, told me, "Many of us have played together since 2nd grade which has helped develop a really good chemistry. I am fortunate to play with unselfish teammates, who are my good friends off the court as well. Each of us contribute in a different way, which makes this team special."

I asked Kloe's how she feels about playing at Bradley against Peoria Notre Dame. "We are very excited for the opportunity to play there. Growing up we participated in the basketball summer league hosted by the Bradley team, and loved the experience and facilities. I am always amazed how the Lincoln Community supports its athletic programs, we have been playing in front of big crowds the last few years and love the support and atmosphere. We are looking forward to playing on a larger floor against a state ranked team, which will help prepare us for post season."

Mya Wardle, PND senior guard and Eastern Kentucky commit adds, "It is a very unique and special opportunity. We are very blessed and excited to play in that environment against a very good team. We are excited for a crowd, but we are more focused on playing good basketball the way we need to."

The Irish know this isn't going to be easy facing Lincoln. Wardle said about the team's focus, "We have a lot of respect for them, but we also believe in ourselves. We know it's going to be very difficult but we also know how hard we have worked and that gives us confidence. Our confidence comes from preparation and our trust and belief in one another. We are excited for them."

I think everyone that follows High School girls basketball in Illinois knows the success that Lincoln has had in the past 2 years. This year Lincoln has showed no weakness as their closest game was a 16 point win over Morton.

Who will win this game?

• Peoria Notre Dame
• Lincoln

Picture: Lincoln Railsplitters

But don't count the Irish out just yet. They have beaten multiple 4A state ranked teams and have shown that they can beat any team in the state if they stick to their style of play. Peoria Notre Dame currently have a record of 21-3. Two of their three losses have come from state ranked 4A powerhouse Alton who are 21-1 on the year.

Both teams have multiple superstars. Lincoln's Kloe Froebe, who is Lincoln's all time scorer, scored 49 points last year against Bloomington to set a game high for the school. She averaged 28.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 5.6 steals per game. Peoria Notre Dame has Mya Wardle, Junior Kaitlin Cassidy, Sophomore Lexi Baer, and Freshman Emy Wardle.

Picture: PND Senior Guard Mya Wardle

Lincoln will come into the upcoming game with a record of 23-0. Lincoln has a high powered offense as the Railsplitters average 72 points per game. Peoria Notre Dame has a great offense as well as they average 68.2 points per game. Both teams have incredible talent which will be displayed on the floor on Saturday night.

This Saturday contains two of the state's best teams and some of the best players in the state of Illinois. It's sure to be an amazing game! The JV game will start at 5:30 pm with the varsity game to follow after that around 7:00 pm. Renaissance Coliseum on North Maplewood Avenue, Peoria. If you like basketball, these two teams are a must watch.