1A/2A Sectional Review: Who Stood Out

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As 1A and 2A sectionals wrapped up Thursday night, we are now down to the final 8 teams. It has been a fun road to ISU so far and the sectional matchups did not disappoint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> The first team out of 1A is Rockford Christian. I wrote about them in my preview article and thought they could make a run. They impressed at the Indian Creek sectional pulling away to win by 19 in their semi final then dominating in the championship with a 57-25 running clock win. This team plays very well together and will be a looking to add a trip to state to their resume on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Lucy Gargani","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12123","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Rockford Christian","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='712685' first='Midwest' last='Wildcats'] ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699f12d1c30bf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gargani impressed me a lot during this sectional. On the defensive side of the ball, Lucy used her speed to her advantage and was able to create turnovers. She was just as effective on the offensive side, playing smart and finding openings in the defense to make plays. Gargani is a leader to this younger RC team, and will be key to them making it to ISU. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second 1A team is Kewanee Wethersfield. I've watched Wethersfield twice this year, and there have been signs that this run could happen all year. They started off sectionals with a 41-38 semi final victory then capped it off with a 60-55 win in the championship. Kewanee will have their hands full with #1 Deer Creek Mackinaw on Monday, but in super-sectionals rankings don't matter anymore. I think this is a game to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["861077"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699f12d1c3109"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Scott has played better every time I've watched her. She is an ultra talented senior that can get a bucket from pretty much anywhere. Scott plays hard the full game and you never see a dip in effort. She will be one to watch in Super-Sectionals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first 2A team is Elgin St. Edward. St. Eds started off their sectional run with a 5 point win in the semifinals before knocking off Johnsburg 57-38 in the sectional champioship</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["856509"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699f12d1c3148"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lynch is an impressive player for St. Edward. She uses her length to her advantage on the defensive side creating turnovers and easy baskets in transition. On offense she does a really good job of finding open teammates while also being able to step out and hurt you from 3. She will a tough matchup for any team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final team from 2A is Pontiac. Pontiac won their own sectional starting off with a 46-32 win in the semi-final before winning the championship 46-44. They will not have an easy time in the super facing a very good Byron team. Pontiac has had a great season and has only improved during the course of the year. Lookout for Pontiac on Monday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1226066"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69a1ea3b1635f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Miller is a standout guard for Pontiac. She can effective at beating people off the dribble and getting to the hoop for a shot. There is a lot to like about Miller on offense as she can also step out to hit a jumper or find a open teammate. Trinity will be a player to watch over the next couple seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->