Game 147: Hillcrest vs. (Chicago) Marshall (Girl's Basketball)

Hillcrest coach John Maniati during warmups

Game 147
Hillcrest vs. (Chicago) Marshall (Girl's Basketball)
Class 3A Semifinals
(3/4/11)

Marshall is the only team of the final four in Class 3A that I am not very familiar with.  Of course, I am very familiar with the program, led by Dorothy Gaters and her 947 career wins and making her 25th appearance in the IHSA State Finals, but they have flown a little under the radar (or at least mine) this season.

I saw Hillcrest on Monday in the Supersectional at Pontiac.  One thing I was mystified about was the antics of head coach John Maniatis.  He helps the team warm up by passing his players the ball in warmups while shouting out words of inspiration.  Among the things he yelled out (in suit and tie) were, "DO YOUR JOB," and "FOCUS." 

The Lady Hawks certainly brought a loud and boisterous crowd.  They were in the section nearest me.  One of my favorite chants of the year seems simple, but it's unique in person.  The student section shouts out, "HEEEEEEL-CREST, HEEEEL-CREST...."  They do it with style!

There was a life size Kermit the Frog in attendance for this game, sitting in Section G, behind one the baskets near the top row.

Just like they did in the Supersectional on Monday, Hillcrest jumped out to an early lead, 9-0 midway through the 1st quarter.  Marshall bounced back, and it was 16-12 after one quarter.  The Commandos are without leading scorer Shantiera Miller (on crutches).  Even with Miller on the roster, they have just 10 girls listed...now just 9.

Hillcrest took a 28-19 lead into halftime.  The IBCA All-State teams were brought out during the 1st half.  Here is the IBCA Class 3A/4A 1st Team All-State

Ariel Massengale (Bolingbrook Sr.)
Morgan Tuck (Bolingbrook Jr.)
Jewell Lloyd (Niles West Jr.)
Mariah Smith (Richwoods Sr.)
Emmonnie Henderson (Edwardsville So.)
Linnae Harper (Whitney Young So.)
Kat Yelle (Geneva Sr.)
Katie Meador (Salem Jr.)
Zahna Medley (Springfield Jr.)
Whitney Holloway (Montini Sr.)
Melissa Dixon (Johnsburg Sr.)
Megan Rogowski (Hersey Sr.)
Brooke Schulte (Breese Mater Dei Jr.)
Chanise Jenkins (Whitney Young Sr.)
Jessica Howard (Galesburg Sr.)

Other players in this weekend's state finals that earned IBCA All-State honors are; Kasi Korza (Springfield - 3rd team), Marquiesha Coleman (Marshall - 3rd team), Kianna Johnson (Whitney Young - 3rd team), Octavio Crump (Zion-Benton - 3rd team), Taylor Tuck (Bolingbrook - 3rd team), Juanita Robinson (Zion-Benton - 3rd team), Whitney Adams (Montini - 3rd team), Yolanda De La Torre (Hillcrest - 4th team), Shannise Heady (Hillcrest - 4th team), Michelle Maher (Maine South - 4th team), Kiki Wilson (Montini - Special Mention), Shantierra Miller (Marshall - Special Mention), Keshawnee Alley (Marshall - Special Mention), Cabrianna Capers (Bolingbrook - Special Mention), Alexis Lloyd (Whitney Young - Special Mention).

Marshall kept it close midway through the 3rd quarter, and it was a 30-27 game with 4:45 to play in the 3rd.  That's when the wheels fell off for Marshall.  The Commandos committed turnovers on 5 consecutive possessions, with the last resulting in a technical foul being assessed on Brianna Walker, upset with a jump ball call.  Hillcrest went on a run, and outscored Marshall 37-24 in the 2nd half on their way to a 65-43 win. 

During one timeout, Hillcrest came back on the floor before the horn sounded, and were told to go back into the huddle.  Coach Maniati looked puzzled by this fact.  It also happened in the Springfield/Montini game. 

Samirah Ali led Hillcrest with 18 points, while Jasmine Sanders added 15 points, and Karlisa Harris pitched in 14 points.  Hillcrest committed 17 turnovers, but forced 26 turnovers.  Marshall was led by Marquiesha Coleman's 15 points and Keshawnee Alley's 14 points.  Hillcrest 6'3" sophomore Lorielle Little finished with 4 blocks in 7 minutes of action.

With the win, Hillcrest will face Montini for a state championship for the 2nd year in a row.  Two of the four classes will have exact repeats in the state title games (Quincy Notre Dame vs. Bloomington Central Catholic in Class 2A).

After the game, I quickly packed up and headed out.  My first stop was to Baymont Inn & Suites, my home for the weekend.  I checked in and dropped off my bag before seeking yet another fast food joint for the old lunch/dinner combo. 

Basically, I was just looking for a drive-thru close to the hotel, on my way to Peoria for the next broadcast.  Since I failed to make the turn onto Veteran's Parkway, I ended up next to Popeye's.  This was perfect, because I rarely have Popeye's.  I opted for the 3-piece chicken tenders value meal, which came with a biscuit (putting KFC biscuits to shame!), and I went with the mashed potatos and gravy for my side (not a good choice for eating while driving).  This was the perfect option, because most fast food meals don't fill you up, per se.  This certainly did.  It was like a 3-course meal for $6.57.  I was pleased, and off to Peoria for a Class 3A Regional title tilt between the Galesburg Silver Streaks and the Peoria Notre Dame Irish....

Game 147 Miles:  3 (Redbird Arena to hotel)