Bulldogs firepower too much for DePaul, Mahomet-Seymour advances to Class 3A title match

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

NORMAL - Adaline Eisenmann keeps the ball in play during first set action against DePaul Prep at the IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals on Friday. She recorded 22 digs to help the Bulldogs win their semifinal match in straight sets, 25-18, 25-22. Saturday, around 5:30 PM, Eisenmann and the team will face Limestone for the Class 3A title. Below: Addy Reigart goes above the net for a block in the second set.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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KEYWORDS: Mahomet-Seymour Athletics, IHSA State Volleyball, Volleyball State Championships

State Volleyball |Lady Blackhawks head to the championship match at state volleyball

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Katelyn Winters celebrates with her team center court after the Lady Blackhawks punched their ticket into the Class 1A state title game at the IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals on Friday morning. Stockton will face Calhoun in the championship contest starting at 9 AM at CEFCU Arena.

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NORMAL - In a thrilling three-set battle, Stockton rallied from a first-set deficit to defeat the Hartsburg-Emden 2-1 in the IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals semifinal at CEFCU Arena.

The Stags, led by Alayna Briggs, took the opening set 25-12. However, the Lady Blackhawks responded with a dominant performance in the second and third sets, winning 25-20 and 25-21, respectively. Briggs tallied 20 kills, 1 ace, and 7 digs.

"We know that wasn't our game. In the second and third set the girls came alive and they were able to get the job done," said Stockton head coach Maddie Pontius said about lopsided loss in the first set. She attributed the drubbing to first-set jitters, something that first-time teams experience on the floor at CEFCU. "This was their first trip. They should be nervous. I'm just glad they were able to bounce back."

Madie Mammoser led Stockton's offense with 17 kills and 11 digs, while Kacy Wright contributed 19 assists, 10 digs, and 6 kills. Taylor Haas added 10 kills, and Katelyn Winters had 6 kills and 8 digs.

Lady Blackhawk senior Mattie Mammoser the first set loss lit a fire.

"I think we just kind of woke up. The first set was like a warm-up set. Then everything started going right," said Mammoser, who led Stockton's offensive effort with 17 kills.

For Hartsburg-Emden, Cambelle Hopkins had 8 kills and 11 digs, while A Briggs added 4 kills and 4 aces. Sadie Williams led the defense with 10 digs, and Celia Cross distributed 35 assists.

This is the first state final appearance for the Lady Blackhawks, who will face Calhoun in Saturday's championship match.

"It is an amazing feeling," said Pontius. "It is the first trip in school history. It is an incredible feeling. These girls have put in so much hardwork and effort. Just their focus to win and determination to win is amazing."

Calhoun defeated Cissna Park in straight sets in the other semifinal. The Stags, who have won one state title and three runner-up trophies, will play for third place.

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KEYWORDS: IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals, Stockton Lady Blackhawks, Hartsburg-Emden Stags, State Championship Match, State Volleyball

Niepagen leads Saints into Class 2A championship match at state volleyball

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

NORMAL - Bloomington Central Catholic outside hitter Kampbell Niepagen yells instructions to a teammate during set two of her team's match against Timothy Christian at the IHSA Volleyball State Finals on Friday. Niepagen led all hitters with 13 kills, 2 aces, and a block in the Saints' 25-21, 25-16 win. BCC advanced to Saturday's title game against the winner of the second semifinal between Breese Central and El Paso-Gridley at around 1:15 PM. Below: Saints' Aubrey Campbell receives a serve from the Trojans. The 5'-8" senior was the target of 12 serves and contributed three digs in the victory.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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KEYWORDS: Illini Prairie Conference, IHSA State Volleyball, State Championship, Central Catholic, BCC Volleyball

Calhoun volleyball team advances to Class 1A championship game

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

NORMAL - Above: Players from the Calhoun volleyball team celebrate their semifinal win over Cissna Park on Friday after their Class 1A state semifinal match at CEFCU Arena. The Warriors advance to the title game on Saturday agains Stockton after defeating the Timberwolves, 25-16, 25-23. Below: Sophomores Gabby Hurley and Lilly Pelletier (left) share their excitement learning their team will play for the state title in 24 hours.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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KEYWORDS: Hardin-Calhoun Volleyball, IHSA State Volleyball, State Championship, Cissna Park Volleyball

Stockton Lady Blackhawks advance to Class 1A volleyball title game

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Stockton's Taylor Hess and Anna Blair celebrate their team's semifinal victory over small school powerhouse Hartsburg-Emden at the IHSA Volleyball State Finals on Friday. The Lady Blackhawks advanced to the title game against the Calhoun Warriors after winning, 12-25, 25-20, 25-21.

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KEYWORDS: Hartsburg-Emden Volleyball, IHSA State Volleyball, State Championship, Stockton Volleyball

Hartsburg-Emden falls in three in state semifinal match, Stags to play for third

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

NORMAL - Hartsburg-Emden's Ellie Klokkenga concentrates on passing the ball to the front row during set three of their Class 1A semifinal game against Stockton at the CEFCU Arena on Friday. The Stags came out on fire winning the first set 25-12. Later, the Lady Blackhawks adjusted their offensive strategy to rally back, winning the next two sets 25-20, 25-21. Klokkenga and the Stags advance to the third place game with the loser of the second semifinal between Calhon and Cissna Park on Saturday at 9 am.

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KEYWORDS: Hartsburg-Emden Volleyball, IHSA State Volleyball, State Championship, Stockton Volleyball

State Cross Country |Unity's four-peat bid falls short, St. Joseph-Ogden finishes 12th at state

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Members of the Unity girls' cross country program and coaches are recognized during the Rockets' second-round home football playoff against St. Joseph-Ogden on Saturday. The Rocket harriers won the Class 1A second-place trophy hours earlier at Detweiller Park in Peoria. Unity just missed winning their fourth-consecutive state championship by just three points.

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PEORIA - Unity's quest for a fourth consecutive Class 1A title at the Illinois High School Association Girls Cross Country State Finals fell just short, as the Rockets finished in second place with 173 points, narrowly missing the top spot behind Williamsville, who clinched the championship with 171 points. The competition, held at the picturesque Detweiller Park, brought together the top 255 runners from small school programs around the state.

The Rockets’ performance was highlighted by standout runners Emily Decker and Mackenzie Pound, who both earned All-State honors by finishing in the top 25. Decker, a senior, crossed the finish line in 10th place with a time of 17:25.10, while Pound, an 11th grader, secured 19th place in 17:43.70. Their efforts were crucial in maintaining Unity's strong reputation in the sport, having dominated the small school category for the past three years.

The race also saw impressive performances from St. Joseph-Ogden, which finished 12th overall. Senior Savanna Franzen led her team with a 21st place finish at 17:45.50, followed closely by ninth grader Grace Bressner, who finished 25th in 17:55.90. This marked a successful end to their season, as both Spartan runners achieved All-State recognition.

Among the individual competitors, Tuscola's Kate Foltz stole the spotlight, finishing first with a remarkable time of 15:59.40. Following her was St. Anthony's Isabella Keller, who clocked in at 16:27.90, and Westmont’s Kyla Babb, who secured third place with a time of 16:35.50.

Other notable finishes included Oakwood's Callie Richardson, who placed 49th with a time of 18:41.00, and Urbana University High's Clara Knutson, who concluded her race in 96th place at 19:21.50, a career best finish for the freshman. Richardson's finish was just four seconds off the PR she turned in at the Tuscola Regional at Wimple Park.

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KEYWORDS: Illinois High School Association, Girls Cross Country State Finals, Unity Rockets, All-State recognition, Savanna Franzen, Kate Foltz

State Cross Country |Central’s Mathias finishes 18th in state cross country meet, Mahomet-Seymour places in top ten

PEORIA - Mahomet-Seymour’s boys cross country team capped their season with a sixth-place finish at the IHSA Boys Class 2A Cross Country State Finals on Saturday at Detweiller Park, earning 279 points to secure a top-ten team placement. Competing in a strong field, Mahomet-Seymour showcased depth and tenacity.

Leading the way for Mahomet-Seymour, junior Henry McMurry claimed 26th with a time of 14:55.00, setting a fast pace in the early stages of the race to finish under the 15-minute mark. Senior Kaleb Kasper crossed next for Mahomet-Seymour, taking 40th place in 15:15.10, followed by sophomore Tate Bode at 107th, who completed the 3-mile course in 15:51.10. Rounding out the top five for Mahomet-Seymour, freshman Adam Smigielski and senior Lukas Nykaza secured 161st and 163rd place with respective times of 16:14.50 and 16:16.60, adding critical points for the Bulldogs.

Central junior Caleb Mathias made a notable individual appearance, finishing in 18th place with a time of 14:50.90, the best individual result for the Champaign-Urbana area in Class 2A. Mathias’ performance marked a strong showing, establishing him as a key competitor among the state’s top runners with All-State recognition earned on Saturday.

The meet’s top finisher, senior Finn Richards, won with a time of 14:21.10, leading Payton to first place in the team standings with 113 points. Morton and Latin finished in second and third with 191 and 195 points, respectively, rounding out the podium as Kaneland (222 points) and Dixon (196 points) followed closely.

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KEYWORDS: Central Cross Country, Mahomet-Seymour, Cross Country All-State, IHSA state cross country, High school sports

State Cross Country |Mahomet-Seymour, Centennial compete at IHSA cross country state finals

PEORIA - In a showcase of endurance and determination, 15 local athletes competed in the Illinois High School Association's Class 2A Girls' Cross Country State Finals at Detweiller Park on Saturday. Among 243 runners, representatives from Mahomet-Seymour and Centennial made their way around the three-mile course on the heels and hip-to-hip with the top harriers from all corners of Illinois. Also with them was Marley Yau, representing Urbana in the season finale.

Centennial and Mahomet-Seymour battle through competitive field

The Bulldogs finished the season ranked 20th overall in the team standings at this year's meet, while the Chargers finished 29th. For both teams, reaching the state finals was a significant accomplishment after advancing from the sectional meet at Olney Central College on November 2, where Mahomet-Seymour was fourth, and Centennial clinched the sixth and final qualifying spot.

The Chargers' top runners hurried along the course at competitive paces. Sophomore Farah Scott led the Chargers with an 18:42.28 finish, placing 65th. Sophomore Brenna Hooper followed, clocking in at 19:52.89 and finishing 160th.

Junior Molly Pate trailed close behind in 162nd with a time of 19:53.85. Senior Kaylee Sweikar rounded out notable performances, finishing in 188th at 20:08.38. Lauren Kleber rounded out the top five scoring runners in 234th place at 21:27.94.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs were led by junior Emily Anand, who posted the best time for Mahomet-Seymour, finishing in 18:12.46 to secure 45th place. Freshman Cecily Smith ended her race in 79th place, clocking in at 18:51.97.

Sophomore Taylor Mills notched 104th place with a time of 19:07.02. Kennedy Ashby was not far behind, crossing over at 19:59.86. Seniors Chloe Bundren and Morgan Waisath rounded out the team's state run, finishing 185th and 240th, respectively, with Finley Smith wedged between them, coming in 212th at 20:40.89.

Urbana’s Yau returns to state

Sophomore Marley Yau finished the season strong for Urbana with a second trip to state. The lone Tiger to qualify from Urbana, Yau finished 136th with a time of 19:28.17, capping her journey after a strong sectional performance where she set a personal record at 19:18.7, ten seconds under her best time from the 2023 state meet.

Top Contenders and Final Standings

In a field of fierce competition, St. Ignatius College Prep emerged victorious with a team score of 76, securing first place. DePaul College Prep took second with 177 points, followed by Glenwood in third with 217 points. These teams demonstrated exceptional depth, with St. Ignatius' Annika Swan finishing second individually and contributing to her team's victory.

The top three individual finishers established a remarkable standard for Illinois high school cross country. Sundara Weber from Sandwich High School won the race with an impressive time of 16:11.27. Following her was Swan from St. Ignatius, who finished with a time of 16:27.80. Zoe Carter from Normal University secured third place, crossing the finish line at 16:49.50.

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KEYWORDS: State cross country, IHSA girls state finals, Mahomet-Seymour cross country, Centennial cross country, Urbana state cross country qualifiers

Five-Star point guard to call Illinois home, Destiny Jackson commits to Fighting Illini

URBANA - The Fighting Illini women's basketball program added another highly touted recruit to its roster last week with the addition of Whitney Young point guard Destiny Jackson. The 5'6" Chicago native will join the team next season after signing a Big Ten Athletics Scholarship Agreement during the National Signing Period.

Jackson knew immediately Illinois was the place for her.

"One or two weeks after she got the job, I heard from her (Shauna Green) and it was such a great connection from the start," Jackson told CPSAthletics.com. "They’re building something great. I feel like the impact that Coach Shauna has had, I feel like she’s going to continue the success and I can’t wait to help build on that."

Jackson is ranked as the No. 28 prospect in the Class of 2025, No. 6 at her position, and No. 1 in the State by 247Sports. She is also ranked No. 25 in ESPNW's HoopGurlz rankings.

As a junior at Whitney Young, Jackson was named 2023-24 AP First Team All-State and received AP All-State Honorable Mention her sophomore season. She has also been named First Team All-Conference in the Chicago Public League (CPL) three times.

Jackson is a member of the three-time Chicago Public League (CPL) champion Whitney Young team. She chose the Illini over offers from West Virginia, North Carolina, Baylor, and Arizona.

Jackson is known for her quickness, ball-handling skills, and ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. She averaged 16.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 3.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game as a junior.

Head Coach Shauna Green praised Jackson's talent and work ethic, saying, "Destiny is a dynamic scorer, a dynamic point guard, who's going to be able to lead our team and someone that I know is going to develop into a great leader."

Jackson's commitment adds depth to an Illinois roster that includes current Illini Mia Zenere, who played with Jackson on the Example Sports club team in 2023. The Fighting Illini will look to build on their success from last season, when they reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013.

"I chose the University of Illinois because it felt like home from the moment I stepped on campus," Jackson said, who excited to play at the college level with a program she feels values her potential as a player and a person. "Growing up in Illinois, I wanted to stay connected to my roots, and Illinois gives me the perfect balance of familiarity and new opportunities."

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KEYWORDS: Illinois Women's Basketball, Destiny Jackson, Big Ten Athletics, Whitney Young Magnet High School, Illini Basketball Recruit