By Jeff Vorva
Manteno’s boys basketball team not only broke a three-season streak of losing records, it is taking aim for the school record for wins in a season.
The Panthers won their 20th game of the season with a 58-48 triumph over Rantoul on January 27 at the Josh Baumgartner State Farm Shootout in Beecher. Manteno (20-4) was led by Ray Lee’s 18 points, while Nicky Johnson added 16.
According to Illinois High School Association records, the Panthers started their basketball record in 1962-63 and won 20 or more games in four other seasons, with the high-water mark being 25 victories in 2005-2006.
After the Rantoul victory, the Panthers have six games remaining on their regular-season schedule (Lisle, Streator, Herscher, Chicago Math and Science Academy, and two games with Coal City) before tackling the postseason.
Beecher vs. Byron
As of January 28, only three teams were unbeaten in the state and two of them set up a matchup against each other at a neutral site.
Beecher, which entered this week with a 23-0 mark, takes on Byron, which entered the week with a 19-0 record, at 5:30 p.m. on February 5, at Byron.
The Bobcats stayed undefeated with a 3-0 mark over the weekend after beating Grace Christian, 85-51, on January 26 and taking a pair of games from Cornerstone Christian (64-51) and Rockridge (62-40) in its own Josh Baumgartner State Farm Shootout on January 27.
Rockridge came into the game with a 14-3 mark and, at one time, was ranked first in the Associated Press Class 2A rankings.
Orlin Nesbitt had 17 points for the Bobcats against Rockridge, while Zackary Johnson had 13 points, five rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Adyn McGinley also filled the stat sheet with 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, and six steals.
Southland stars
Malakai Scott of Crete-Monee won the Southland Athletic Conference wrestling championship at 165-pounds on January 27. Scott, Bandile Gcabashe (113), Jaylene Johnson (157), and Derrick Peebles (215) were named all-conference wrestlers.
In conference bowling, Skylar Welcome of Crete-Monee won the SAC title and joined Layla Means and Kayla Tomasevich on the All-Conference Team, as the team place second.
Tough day in Darien
Three area cheerleading teams missed the cut for state at the Hinsdale South Sectional in Darien.
Beecher, which was hoping to make a return trip for the state finals, finished seventh in the Small Team division with an 80.73. The top five teams make the cut, with Somonauk taking the last spot with an 85.82.
Manteno finished 11th in the sectional and Peotone 13th.