Joliet West Bass Fishing Team Advances to IHSA Sectional Championship

(The following press release is from Kristine Schlismann of Joliet Township High School District 204.)

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet West High School Bass Fishing Team made a splash at the inaugural IHSA Regional Tournament held at Tampier Lake on May 15. Competing against tough weather conditions and fierce competition, Jayden Jock and Devion Campbell powered Joliet West Boat #1 to a 3rd place finish, securing a coveted spot at the IHSA Sectional Championship.

The duo, coached by Head Coach John Barber and supported by Assistant Coaches Tim Fears and Mark Leasure, brought in a 5-fish limit weighing 6 lbs 15.36 oz—an impressive showing despite facing 20–30 mph winds and extreme heat topping 95 degrees.

“This was a huge moment for our program,” said Coach Barber. “Jayden and Devion have been putting in the hours since spring break—early mornings, tough conditions, and they never quit. This result is a testament to their dedication and growth as anglers.”

This is the first year the IHSA added a Regional round to the competition, and Joliet West rose to the occasion. With their top-six finish, Jayden and Devion will now represent the Tigers at the Sectional Tournament on May 22 at Big Basin Marina – Des Plaines River. There, they’ll compete against 30 teams for a top-10 finish and a ticket to the IHSA State Finals at Lake Shelbyville on June 6–7.

The Joliet West team has been steadily building momentum and visibility, with Coach Barber spearheading efforts to grow the sport at the school. “Our students have put in countless hours on the water,” he said. “This program is about more than fishing—it's about commitment, strategy, and building something special.”

Other team members who contributed to the Regional effort include Jackson Ogle, Gabriel Gonzalez, Rich Santiago, and Fabian Medina. Special recognition goes to boat captain Mark Leasure, who also assisted coaching alongside Fears.

Follow the team’s journey and see their catches from the season on Instagram: @lordbarber_a13