South Central Conference Review and All Conference Team

After having 6 teams win 20 games or more and Hillsboro make the state tourney in 2018-2019 there seemed like no way the South Central conference could top that in 2019-2020. Maybe they did not top it, but a four way tie for the conference championship was certainly unique. Carlinville, Pana, Greenville and Hillsboro all ended they conference season at 7-2. Greenvile and Carlinville has a big game late in the year that Carlinville pulled out to secure their part of the shared conference title. Hillsboro was able to win a big game late in the season against Pana that helped secure their spot in the tie. Carlinville won 28 games, Greenville 21 and Pana 20 for the season. Carlinville won a Regional title before losing in the Sectional Semi Final game.The final standings were as follows: <ul> <li>Carlinville --7-2</li> <li>Greenville --7-2</li> <li>Pana -- 7-2</li> <li>Hillsboro--7-2</li> <li>Gillespie---5-4</li> <li>Piasa (SW)---5-4</li> <li>Litchfield -- 3-6</li> <li>Staunton -- 2-7</li> <li>Vandalia--- 2-7</li> <li>Roxana--1-8</li> </ul> There was alot of talented players in the conference this year. The following players were voted as All Conference by the coaches: First Team All Conference: <ul> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="121866" first="Megan" last="Halleman"]n </strong>is a 6’4 2020 Post from Greenville. Megan has been a defensive force that has allowed Coach Dothager to design his defense around her ability to protect the rim. She averaged 5.9 blocks per game and 9.3 rebounds per game. Megan is very long and has good ability to cover ground in the paint. She also averaged 12.2 points per game to lead the team in scoring.</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="124895" first="Jillian" last="Hamilton"] </strong>is 5’10 2022 Forward from Pana. Jillian is a very athletic player that is strong inside the paint. She can post up most players but is also capable of taking players off the dribble. She showed great improvement from her freshman year and became the top producer night in and out for Coach Storm. She became consistent towards the end of the season putting up near 15 points and 8 rebounds each game.</li> <li><strong>Rylee Smith </strong>is a 5’6 2021 Guard from Piasa. Rylee fills a dual role for her team acting as the primary ball handler but also a capable scorer too. Rylee scored consistently around 10-12 points almost every night and hit on average 2 three pointers a night. She is a smooth ball handler that handles pressure well.</li> <li><strong>Gracie Reels </strong>is a 5’8 2021 Guard from Carlinville. Gracie was described by Coach DeNeve as possibly the best defensive player he had coached at Carlinville. When you combine that high praise with her increased scoring this year you have a very well rounded player. Gracie scored 10 points per game, which led the team for the season.</li> <li><strong>Nikya Harston </strong>is a 5’9 2021 Post from Hillsboro. Nikya is very athletic and active in the post. While she is a bit undersized as a post she is hard to stop as she gets great position and seals her defender. She averaged 11 points per game and was  the leading scorer for the Lady Toppers.</li> </ul> Second Team All Conference: <ul> <li><strong>Natalie Iberg </strong>is a 5’8 2021 Wing from Greenville. Natalie stepped into the starting lineup this year and showed signs of what she can become as a player. She is a superb athlete that has shown improvement in her skills. Natalie averaged 11 points to go with 2.6 assists and 2.5 steals per game.</li> <li><strong>Korrie Hopkins </strong>is a 5’11 2021 Forward from Piasa. Korrie is excellent in the post where she has the ability to finish with either hand. She is a strong rebounder and defender that loves to battle. She is a consistent double figure scorer.</li> <li><strong>Lanee McNary </strong>is a 5’5 2020 Guard from Vabdalia. Lanee averaged 12.4 points per game along with 4 rebounds, 3.7 assist and 2.8 steals. Lanee was a definite threat from the 3-point line where she hit 71 over the course of the year.</li> <li><strong>Claire Tester </strong>is a 5’8 2021 Forward from Hillsboro. Claire is a strong bodied player that is very crafty on offense. She does a very good job of finding open spots for her shots. She can post up or hit the 12-15 footer with consistency.</li> <li><strong>Jill Stayton </strong>is a 5’8 2022 Guard from Carlinville. Jill averaged 8.7 points per game and can score from all levels. She has really improved her ability to score off the bounce this season. Jill excels in the fast paced game  that is favored by Carlinville.</li> </ul> Third Team All Conference: <ul> <li><strong>MacKenzie Mix </strong>is a 5’10 2020 Forward from Gillespie. MacKenzie was part of a very balanced offense for the Lady Miners. She was a consistent threat to score inside of 15 feet and was a very good rebounder.</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="160150" first="Rachel" last="Holthaus"] </strong>is a 5’6 2022 Point Guard from Pana. Rachel handles the ball very well and does a good job of decision making in the open floor. She can use her handles and moves to get into the lane where she will finish over the bigs or dump off for a layup. At the end of the season Rachel was scoring at or very near double figures every game.</li> <li><strong>Rylee Pickett </strong>is a 5’6 2020 Guard from Greenville. Rylee is an excellent outside shooter that made 61 3-pointers on her way to averaging 11.9 points per game. She did a good job of taking over some of the primary ball handling duties in her senior season.</li> <li><strong>Shelby Taylor </strong>is a 5’4 2021 Point Guard from Gillespie. Shelby is a smooth left handed guard that is best at weaving her way into the lane where she finds way to finish. She averaged 7.5 points per game.</li> <li><strong>Hollie Bekeske </strong>is a 5’4 2020 Guard from Staunton. Staunton was hit hard by graduation in the class of 2019 and it forced Hollie to take over as a senior leader of the team. Hollie is a very good athlete and also excels in volleyball. She does a good job on defense and can score at or near double figures most nights.</li> </ul> This was another good year for the South Central conference. As usual there will be some teams hit by graduation losses this year. But, there is definitely talent returning next year. &nbsp;