The Troy Middle School 8th Grade Girls Basketball Team took the title this month of IESA 4A State Champions. The Troy Trojans beat the East St. Louis Lincoln Middle School Tigers 44-41 at the game which was held at Macon Meridian High School December 13.
This is the second year in a row the team placed first at the state championship, after taking the top spot last year as 7th graders.
“It was an awesome game to be a part of,” Head Coach Serena Cruz said after the game. “We were down at some points, we were up at some points . . . the girls never gave up. They put their hearts on the floor, and it paid off.”
Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Team members are Jasmine Brown, Andie Burch, Kaylen Coggins, Kennise Johnson, Janiyah Jones, Destiny McNair, Jayleen Sanchez, Melle Slager, Ashlei Thomas, Lisa Thompson, Akeisha Watson and Ashari Wilson.
“These girls are definitely making their mark on Troy’s basketball program,” Cruz said, “and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The team came in many mornings before school to practice, stayed after school to practice, and worked out in the gym after practices.
“We set a goal at the beginning of the year to win state again,” Cruz said, “and it all paid off.”
Cruz said the team’s nickname is, “Blue Smoke,” because they covered other teams like smoke.
She said the team’s offense was outstanding, but it was the defense that won the game in the end. She also described Assistant Coaches Matt Stortz and Mark Peter as, “phenomenal,” and thanked the parents for their support throughout the season.
“The eighth grade girls basketball games have been so exciting to watch this season,” Troy School District 30-C Director of Athletics and Activities Meagan DeGroot said. “I have enjoyed watching these girls since sixth grade, and they have matured so much. They play a flawless game of basketball together. I could not be more proud of their level of sportsmanship, and I look forward to watching each of them play in high school.”
Troy advanced to the championship game after defeating Rochester Junior High School 44-11 on December 8, following their 42-35 victory over Liberty Junior High School in the Sectional Championship game.
