Manteno's defensive pressure proved too much for St. Joseph-Ogden on Tuesday as the Spartans managed just 10 first-half points in a sectional semifinal defeat. The loss closes out a 20-11 campaign.
PONTIAC - St. Joseph-Ogden's girls basketball season came to an end Tuesday night with a 44-23 loss to Manteno in the sectional semifinal at Pontiac High School.
The Panthers' stifling defense held the Spartans to just five points in each of the first two quarters, building a commanding halftime lead. SJO struggled to find offensive rhythm in the second half, managing only 13 additional points despite adjustments.
Addi Brooks paced the Spartans with nine points, while
Hayden Dahl added seven. Ashlyn Miller connected on a three-pointer in the third quarter, and Timeara Blackburn-Kelley and Ava Alexander each contributed two points in the loss.
Manteno's Emily Horath led all scorers with 19 points, and Maddie Gesky added 18 points in the paint for the Panthers (27-6), who advance to face Pontiac in Thursday's sectional championship game.
The defeat closes the season for SJO (20-11), which featured signature victories over Rochester, Williamsville and Unity. Interim coach Brian Brooks will lose nine seniors from this year's roster, including
Kayla Osterbur,
Addi Brooks, Ashlyn Miller, Kaitlyn Beyers,
Timeara Blackburn-Kelley, Katie Ericksen, Mackenzie Loschen, Lexi Lackey and Kenzie Atwood.
The Spartans return just two juniors—Mia Jones and Hayden Dahl—along with sophomores Bella Frerichs, Megan Kearney, Ava Alexander, Atleigh Miller and Ainsley Dirksmeyer for next season. Interim head coach Brian Brooks was assisted by Bria Cessna and Taylor Howard.
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