St. Joseph-Ogden sports this week

St. Joseph-Ogden student fans and players celebrate the varsity basketball team's one-point overtime victory at the Rocket Center on Friday. The Spartans (23-6) outlasted the Rockets in a thrilling 73-72 road game, remaining undefeated in the Illini Prairie Conference at 8-0. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Broooks

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Martinie leads SJO in post-season opener over Prairie Central

Clifton - The St. Joseph-Ogden girls basketball team held Clifton Central to just 13 first-half points on their way to a 43-29 regional semifinal win on Monday. As expected, the Spartans will face McNamara on Thursday in the Regional title game.

Addisyn Martinie, who shot 50% from the free-throw line, led SJO's scoring effort with 20 points. Usually working her magic from inside the paint, the senior showcased her talent, sinking three shots from outside the arc.

Stepping up in her new role as a starter, Addison Brooks dropped eight points in the first quarter and was the second-leading scorer at the intermission. The sophomore was the second leading scorer ahead of teammate Addison Frick, who hit three treys for nine points.

Timera Blackburn-Kelley and Katie Ericksen rounded out the Spartans' scoring effort with one basket each.

On Friday, Martinie & Co. look to avenge their loss to the Fightin' Irish on December 27 at the State Farm Holiday Classic. SJO dropped the tournament opener in their worst outing of the season, 50-18. Running the table in the Chicagoland Christian League, McNamara (20-6) beat regional host Clifton Central, 48-19.

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