Wilmette, IL- The Regina Dominican Varsity Basketball Team placed 4th in the state on Thursday night in the IHSA 2A Basketball State Championship Series. The Panthers played against Robinson High School, battling for the 3rd place spot and falling short 44-51.
The mighty Regina Dominican Panthers held a lead going into the second half and fought hard to the final seconds of the game. A fourth place finish is still something to be proud of as this was the team's first state appearance in 20 years. The first game of the day was against Peoria-Notre Dame, who will play for the 2A Championship on Saturday.
"We just lost to one of the best teams in the state-we want them to win it all. We want to lose to the champion…” said Coach Bob Newton after the first game vs. Peoria-Notre Dame. With two outgoing seniors, Jillian DeFranza ‘26 emphasized the impact of winning, for each other, and for seniors, Payton Olszewski ‘24 and Maddie Witchger ‘24. “Maddie and Payton since day one, have pushed us every day in practice, making sure we are good people on and off the court” said DeFranza “... next year we have room to improve over the summer and the fall and I think that we will be good next year to win for them and for each other.”
The Panthers brought the spirit of their home student section “The Panther Pit” with them to Normal, IL. Regina Dominican students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumnae made the trip down state to support the basketball team. The stands were packed for the first and second games, proving once again that the spirit and camaraderie at Regina Dominican is unmatched.
While the final result of Thursday night’s game was not what the team was hoping for, it is safe to say that gone are the days when the Panthers are underestimated. Small school, mighty team.
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Rooted in the Dominican tradition, we challenge young women to be independent thinkers, relentless truth-seekers, and confident, compassionate leaders. Regina Dominican is located at 701 Locust Road in Wilmette, Illinois.
For more information, please contact us at 847.256.7660.