Sterling Lady Golden Warriors vs Crystal Lake Central
(Game 1)
The Sterling Golden Warriors girls' basketball team used a suffocating defense and quick-strike offense to jump out to a fast start in the first quarter, paving the way for a dominant victory over the Crystal Lake Central Tigers in the sectional semifinal Tuesday night at Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford!
Sterling led 26-4 after the first quarter and never looked back. Crystal Lake managed to outscore Sterling in the second quarter, but the Golden Warriors came out strong after halftime, sealing the game in the third quarter by extending their lead to 32 points.
Sterling senior and Illinois State University recruit Madison Austin was named the Ken Nelson Auto Group Player of the Game, finishing as the game's high scorer with 22 points. Jae James added 12 points, while Joslyn James chipped in 11, showcasing a balanced scoring attack for Sterling. The team also delivered a stifling defensive performance. With the win, the Golden Warriors advance to the sectional championship for the first time since 2013 and tie the program's all-time record for most wins in a season—set way back in 1979!
Dixon Duchesses taking on Maple Park Kaneland
(Game 2)
The Dixon Duchesses triumphed over the Maple Park Kaneland Knights for the third time in a calendar year, securing a 40-30 victory in the second game of the 3A sectional semifinals at Boylan Catholic High School on Tuesday in Rockford. The Duchesses previously defeated the Knights in last year’s sectional championship game to advance to the Elite Eight and also bested them in the regular season this year. Dixon will now face the Sterling Golden Warriors in the sectional championship on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Boylan Catholic High School.
Defense has been the key to Dixon’s success since a subpar outing in the KSB Holiday Classic in December 2024, and Tuesday was no exception. The Duchesses held Kaneland to just three points in the first quarter and only eight by halftime—all scored by a single player—taking a commanding 25-8 lead at the break. They maintained their 17-point margin through the third quarter, leading 33-16, before slowing the pace and using a patient offense to manage the clock on their way to the 10-point victory.
Amyrie McGowan was named the Ken Nelson Auto Group Player of the Game, leading the Duchesses with an all-around performance of 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 blocks, and several assists. Hallie Williamson contributed 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocked shots while battling constant double teams from the Knights. Mackenzie Toms added 8 points and 9 rebounds. Defensively, Morgan Hargrave played a crucial role, locking down Kaneland’s star player and 1,500-point career scorer Kendra Brown—holding her to just 5 points for the second straight year. Reese Dambman also stepped up, hitting two clutch three-pointers in the fourth quarter to help secure the win.
Dixon now advances to the 3A sectional championship game for the second year in a row. The all-Sauk Valley showdown between Dixon and Sterling promises to be an exciting sectional final Thursday night at Boylan Catholic High!
