STATE CHAMPION!

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Unity's Lexi Ritchie stands at the top of the podium after defeating Richwood's Jaida Johnson (on her right) for the 155-pound title at the inaugural IHSA Girls' Wrestling State Finals on Saturday. Ritchie carved out a 10-8 decision over Johnson to not only become the first female wrestler in the state to earn the title at that weight class but also Champaign County's first female high school state wrestling champion. She finished her sophomore season with a 23-9 record on Saturday. On her left on the podium is bronze medal winner Valeria Rodriguez from Schaumburg.

Rockets drop fierce battle in basketball regional title game

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Unity's Blake Kimball goes up for a shot down the baseline on St. Joseph-Ogden's Coy Taylor during the second half. After an 11-all first quarter start, the Rockets' basketball season came to an end with a 58-50 loss to the Spartans at the Rocket Center on Friday. Visit oursentinel.com next week for more photos from this game.