Ciucci led Panthers to Tri-County Conference Tournament title

By KEVIN CHLUM kchlum@shawmedia.com

Putnam County senior Gracie Ciucci stepped up for the Panthers during the Tri-County Conference Tournament.

Ciucci scored a team-high 11 points in the TCC Tournament championship game to lead the Panthers to their first title since 2018.

She had eight points and seven rebounds in the semifinals and scored seven points in the quarterfinals.

“Gracie had a really nice week on both ends of the floor for us and hit some big shots in key moments during our tournament run,” Putnam County coach Jared Sale said. “I’m extremely proud of the work she’s put in and the leader she’s become for our team.”

For her performance, Ciucci was voted the NewsTribune Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Central Bank, Witek Wealth Management and the Spring Valley, Mendota and Princeton McDonald’s.

Ciucci answered a few questions from NewsTribune sports editor Kevin Chlum.

When did you start playing basketball, and how did you get into the sport?

Pc Roundup

GIRLS BASKETBALL

PC 38, Dwight 31: Ava Hatton had 14 points and Gabby Doyle added 12 to lead the Lady Panthers to a TriCounty Conference victory Thursday, Jan. 26.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Midland 46, Putnam County 43: The Panthers were outscored 16-2 en route to losing in the consolation final of the Tri-County Conference Tournament in Granville Friday.

Jackson McDonald scored 21 points for the Panthers, while Austin Mattingly added 15 points.

Ciucci: I started playing basketball when I was in fifth grade. I watched my sister play when she was little, and I really wanted to be in on the game.

What do you like about playing basketball?

Ciucci: My favorite thing is when I’m out on the court, I don’t have to think about anything else going on,

GIRLS BOWLING

Hall-Putnam County 1,948, Streator 1,796: Sarah Beier rolled a 517 series as the Red Devils earned a win.

Emma Nicoli added a 455 series for Hall-PC.

Wrestling

At Taylor Ridge: Putnam County-Hall lost a pair of Three Rivers Conference duals at Rockridge.

The Panthers lost 60-12 to the host Rockets and 54-12 to Erie-Prophetstown.

James Irvin won by a 3-1 decision at 285 pounds against E-P.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork just playing the game.

What are your strengths as a basketball player?

Ciucci: I think it would be playing to the final buzzer and not giving up when it gets tough.

What is your favorite sports memory?

Ciucci: It would have to be last week’s gritty game against Seneca for the championship and getting to celebrate with my team.

Do you have a nickname and if so, how did you get it?

Ciucci: I’ve been called Goose since I was little, and I’m not sure how it started.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Ciucci: I would go to Hawaii because it’s beautiful.

What is a movie or TV show you never get tired of watching?

Ciucci: All of the “High School Musicals.”

If you could get advice from anyone, who would it be and why?

Ciucci: It would be my dad because I miss him and would just want to know what he would say.

What are your plans after high school?

Ciucci: I’m not sure where I’m going to school yet, but I want to study psychology and pastoral studies.

What are your thoughts on your individual performance last week?

Ciucci: I’m just happy to get the opportunity to play a game that I love with people I love. Last week was a lot of fun seeing shots fall and grinding it out. I’m excited for the postseason.