This week has been filled with intense high school basketball games and wrestling matches, showcasing the talent and determination of young athletes. Seneca's Paxton Giertz delivered a memorable performance in the Shipyard Showdown, leading his team to victory with 32 points. Reed-Custer's Jacob Reardon also shone, scoring 19 points twice in back-to-back victories. In girls' basketball, Reed-Custer's Alyssa Wollenzien dominated with 23 points against Beecher. Wrestling saw Bolingbrook placing third at the Steve Eckert Holiday Classic, while Plainfield Central excelled in dual meets. Swimming events featured Lincoln-Way Central hosting an invite where West won two relays and individual titles were claimed by both Central and West teams.
Boys Basketball: Epic Showdowns and Standout Performances
The boys' basketball scene this week was marked by thrilling comebacks and standout performances. Seneca's Irish team emerged victorious in multiple close contests, notably overcoming Coal City in overtime thanks to Paxton Giertz's scintillating play. The Irish advanced deep into the Shipyard Showdown tournament, securing their place in the title game. Other notable teams like Dwight and Coal City also made significant strides, advancing through various rounds of tournaments with strong offensive displays from key players such as Luke Gallett and Zander Meents.
Seneca’s triumph over Coal City exemplifies the competitive spirit that defined this week’s games. Starting off behind, the Irish managed to force overtime and eventually clinched the win, propelled by Giertz’s remarkable 27-point effort. Similarly, Dwight Trojans showcased resilience, winning consecutive matches to reach the semifinals of the Shipyard Showdown. Coal City’s Dylan Young and Gabe McHugh provided steady scoring support for their team throughout the tournament. These victories highlighted not only individual brilliance but also team cohesion and strategic depth, setting the stage for more exciting matchups ahead.
Girls Basketball and Wrestling: Dominance and Team Success
In girls' basketball, Reed-Custer's Alyssa Wollenzien stood out as a dominant force on the court, leading her team to two wins at the Peotone Holiday Tournament. Her contributions were crucial in securing victories over Beecher and Peotone. Meanwhile, other teams like Lemont and Joliet Catholic demonstrated impressive teamwork and tactical execution in their respective tournaments. Despite facing tough opponents, these teams managed to secure important wins, reflecting the growing competitiveness within the league.
The wrestling circuit also saw significant achievements, particularly from Bolingbrook, which placed third at the Steve Eckert Holiday Classic. Key wrestlers including Jared Craig, Aaron Camacho, Tommy McDermott, and Marcus Poe secured weight class titles or runner-up positions. Plainfield Central’s wrestlers had a successful run at the 18-team dual-meet invite, earning several match victories. Their consistent performance across different weight classes underscored the depth and strength of their squad. Additionally, swimming events brought home accolades for Lincoln-Way Central and West, who excelled in relays and individual races, further highlighting the versatility and excellence of these student-athletes.
