By Jeff Vorva
Let the postseason honors begin.
Peotone’s girls basketball team’s big run ended March 25 in supersectional play, but star player Madison Schroeder picked up some good news as she was named to the Illinois Media All-State Class 2A team (formerly the Associated Press team).
She was also named first team on the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association All-State team as well.
She was not the only area star to receive state recognition.
Maddie Gesky of Manteno was named special mention to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association team.
Only three freshmen were recognized by the IBCA — Gesky and Nashville’s Samantha and Summer Brinkman, who both earned third-team honors.
Gesky and Sarah Schmidt were named to the Illinois Central Eight all-conference team. Peotone’s Schroeder, Addie Graffeo and Ashley Renwick were also named to the ICE team.
On the boys side, Manteno’s Nicky Johnson, Kyle McCulough and Ray Lee were ICE all-conference selection.
Doss the boss
Former Beecher standout Duane Doss scored 25 points to lead Waubonsee Community College to an 82-73 win over McHenry County College in the Region IV District A Regional semifinal on March 3 in Rockford.
The Chiefs face South Suburban College at noon March 9 in the title game in Rockford.
Through 32 games, Doss was averaging 14.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game for the Chiefs (28-4).
Last year, he averaged 10.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per contest.
Lenoir back with Michigan
Former Crete-Monee standout football player Lance Lenoir signed a deal with the Michigan Panthers of the USFL/XFL.
He was on the team two years ago and the wide receiver led the squad with 52 catches for 484 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Later in 2022, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, was injured and made the Los Angeles Rams practice squad in December.
In 2023, he played in four XFL games with the Orlando Guardians.
Zack attack
Crete-Monee grad Zack Millsap picked up his first career Division I win for UIC against North Park on Feb. 27 in an 8-5 win.
The junior, who played at St. Xavier and Kankakee Community College the past two years, threw 2 1/3 inning of relief and struck out three in the win.
A Fab signing
Beecher’s Fabi Barraza signed with South Suburban College to play soccer.
Last year, the Bulldogs finished 11-3-2 with seven victories in which they scored five or more goals.