CCHS Girls Basketball: Thrills and Challenges in IHSA Tournament

The CCHS Knights girls basketball team experienced a thrilling yet challenging journey in the IHSA Class 2A Regional Basketball Tournament, facing both triumph and defeat in their quest for regional glory. In a series of two games that displayed determination, grit, and a competitive spirit, the Knights showcased their talent on the court, though they fell short in their semifinal matchup.

A Hard-Fought Victory in the Regional Quarterfinals
The first game of the tournament was an exciting and intense showdown against Southland College Prep in the IHSA Class 2A Regional Quarterfinal. The Knights came into this game prepared and ready to give their all. Despite the pressure, they delivered an impressive performance, emerging victorious with a 33-27 win.

The game was a true test of resilience for the Knights. Both teams fought hard, but the Knights’ defense stood tall, with key plays from multiple players to stifle Southland’s offensive pushes. It was a low-scoring but highly competitive game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Knights played with heart, managing to keep their composure and maintain a lead through the closing minutes.

With their victory in the quarterfinals, the Knights advanced to the Regional Semifinals, where they would face the Manteno Panthers in what promised to be another tough battle.

When asked about the regional quarterfinal, Coach Karl Frixen stated "I was really proud of the girls on how they responded in the second half of the regional quarterfinal game. They were down at half time but came out in the 3rd quarter and picked things up defensively which turned into turnovers and baskets for us. They made the plays necessary to get the win."

Tough Loss in the Regional Semifinals
The momentum from their win in the quarterfinals did not carry over into the semifinal game against Manteno. The Knights faced a formidable opponent in the Panthers. Despite their best efforts, the Knights were not able to pull off the win.

Coach Frixen commented after the game, "The Regional Semifinals was a tough matchup for us. We had previously played Manteno in the Christmas tournament championship game and lost a close game. We knew we had a chance to win in the rematch but we would have to keep their big physical post players off the glass and limit their second chance points. In the end, we couldn’t do the things needed to win the game but the great thing about this team is they never gave up and always kept fighting no matter what."

Looking Ahead
Though the Knights’ tournament run ended with a loss in the Regional Semifinals, their performance throughout the IHSA Class 2A Regional Tournament showed the heart and skill of a team that gave everything on the court. Their win against Southland College Prep demonstrated the team’s ability to rise to the occasion and battle in close, hard-fought games. While the loss to Manteno stings, it is part of the journey, and the Knights can look back on their season with pride for what they accomplished.

When I asked Coach Frixen to reflect about the overall season and future, he stated, "to coach and I am going to miss this group of Seniors. They were great role models for the younger girls on how to work hard and getting good grades. I look forward to next season and putting in the work to get better."

As they reflect on their postseason performance, the Knights will continue to build on the lessons learned and the experiences gained from this tournament run. The future looks bright for the Knights and with the foundation they’ve set, they will undoubtedly be contenders in years to come.

Looking forward to watching the Knights next year and years to follow!