Pleasant Plains High School’s girls basketball team secured its second consecutive Sangamo Conference championship on Wednesday, defeating Porta A/C Central 47-28. The victory elevates Pleasant Plains’ overall record to 25-2, positioning them as a strong contender and expected 1-seed in the upcoming Illinois High School Association (IHSA) girls basketball postseason tournament, which begins on Monday.
The game, hosted by Porta A/C, was a decisive matchup between the two dominant teams in the Sangamo Conference in recent years. Porta A/C had previously won the conference title two seasons ago, before Pleasant Plains claimed victory last year. Wednesday’s contest saw Pleasant Plains establish an early lead and maintain control throughout, despite a determined effort by Porta A/C to rally in the third quarter.
The Cardinals’ success is built on a balanced attack, with senior forward Madison Burke playing a pivotal role. Burke contributed 12 points, including 10 in the first half, showcasing a refined mid-range shot that has been a focus of the team’s practice regimen. Coach TJ Fraase noted that Burke’s consistent scoring, even beyond the 10-12 point range, is a significant asset for the team. Burke’s ability to identify and exploit opportunities, whether passing to senior Anna Weber in the post or finding Grace Sabatka on the perimeter, demonstrates a high level of court awareness and team play.
While Burke’s offensive contributions were crucial, the team’s overall performance highlighted a collective improvement in shooting ability. The Cardinals’ ability to effectively navigate Porta A/C’s zone defense was also key to their success. Burke’s comfort in the middle of the zone created opportunities for both Weber and Sabatka.
Porta A/C attempted to close the gap in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit to eight points following a three-pointer by Mackenzie Miller. However, Pleasant Plains responded decisively, with senior forward Grace Sabatka scoring all nine of her points in the second half, effectively extinguishing any hopes of a comeback. This demonstrates the team’s depth and ability to respond under pressure.
Pleasant Plains’ 8-0 conference record underscores their dominance within the Sangamo Conference. The team’s 25-2 overall record speaks to a consistently high level of performance throughout the season. The upcoming IHSA postseason tournament presents a new challenge, but the Cardinals’ strong record and 1-seed status suggest they are well-positioned for a deep run.
The win over Porta A/C is not just a conference championship; it’s a testament to the team’s dedication, strategic play, and the contributions of multiple players. Burke’s individual performance, combined with the team’s ability to adapt and execute, has established Pleasant Plains as a force to be reckoned with in Illinois high school girls basketball. The team’s ability to leverage both inside and outside scoring threats, coupled with a strong defensive presence, will be critical as they navigate the challenges of the state tournament.
Looking ahead, the focus for Pleasant Plains will be maintaining their momentum and preparing for the increased competition of the IHSA postseason. Their strong record and favorable seeding provide a solid foundation, but success in the tournament will require continued focus, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure. The team’s coaching staff will likely emphasize maintaining their offensive balance and continuing to exploit mismatches against opposing defenses.
The Sangamo Conference championship represents a significant achievement for Pleasant Plains High School and its girls basketball program. It’s a victory that reflects the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and the support of the school community. As they enter the state tournament, the Cardinals carry with them the confidence of a conference champion and the expectation of continued success.
