Mid Illini Conference Race

The Mid Illini Conference is almost over and we have a great finish on our way. With two state ranked teams in the conference, we can see some upsets in the future. First place in the conference are the Morton Potters. They are a perfect 11-0 in conference play. Right behind them is the number one team in the state, the Washington Panthers. Washington is 10-1 in conference play with there only loss being against Morton. Those two teams will clash on February 11th at Morton. I talked to players on both teams about the conference race coming down to the wire.

Here is Washington's Avery Tibbs. The regular season is almost over and you’re racing to win the Mid Illini Conference. How has the team been able to stay focused during this time of the season? "Honestly, we just came together and had a team meeting about this. We talked about staying locked in mentally and boosting the team morale. Physically, keeping our bodies healthy and doing treatment when needed."

You’ve got a big game coming up with your next game being against Dunlap. Last time they almost beat you. What’s the plan coming into the game to try and not make it as nerve racking as last time? "We need to focus in on scout at practice next Monday, really keying in on stepping up our defense and limiting their paint touches."

And next I have to talk about the game everyone is waiting for. Last time Morton beat you on your home floor. How will the Panthers strike back and beat them on their home court, with it being such a huge conference game? "We need to again focus on scouting the days leading up to it, stepping up our defensive intensity and reducing turnovers. Also a big part is being able to handle their pressure on offense and value every possession!"

And last question. You’re in contention for another Mid Illini Conference Title. What would winning the Mid Illini Conference do for this team? "Winning the Mid Illini would be awesome, and I feel like that would be another confidence boost for us. We just have to work hard in practice and be prepared for anything on any given night!"

I talked to Morton's Paige Selke about how the final week of conference play will go.

The regular season is almost over and you’re racing to win the Mid Illini Conference. How has the team been able to stay focused during this time of the season? "We have been spending a lot of time together and having fun off the court, which I think allows us to stay focused at practice and just take each game one at a time."

You beat Washington in a thriller last time. What is it going to take to beat them again as that game is most likely going to decide the mid Illini conference? "Relentless defense and just try and pressure them as much as we can. We need to speed them up, limit rhythm three’s, and take care of the ball."

These two state ranked teams are going down to the wire to win the Mid Illini Conference.