Girls’ basketball wins sectional championship

Ava Kontuly Sports Writer

The girls’ basketball team has just come off another successful season, finishing with a record of 26-7.

Led by Coach Jeffrey Hamann, the team went 9-1 in conference play, winning the CSL Conference title.

After winning both the regional and sectional championships, the team qualified for the super-sectional match against Hersey on Feb. 27.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Hawks led by one point, but Hersey pulled away to win 66-61.

Despite the playoff loss to Hersey, the team accomplished a lot throughout the season.

Notably, the girls defeated Loyola in the Sectional championship.

For the Hawks, this victory was especially important after Loyola beat Maine South in last year’s sectional championship.

Additionally, the team was able to win the Dundee Crown Tournament, narrowly defeating Barrington in the championship game by a score of 59-58.

“It was a huge accomplishment for our team, and it was so fun to experience,” sophomore Ally Pape said.

Though the team had a lot of success, they weren’t without their challenges.

Namely, the team had a much younger roster than many of their competitors.

“We came into the season as the underdogs with low expectations by many, but we proved so many people wrong,” sophomore Katie Barker said.

Ally Pape, who was named as a CSL All-Conference Player, also experienced some personal challenges throughout the season.

“A challenge I faced this season was an exciting one,” Pape said. “I completely switched positions coming into this season from guard to post.”

“I had to work extra hard to learn new skills and learn where to go in plays.”

The team credits their togetherness for their ability to overcome

Mr. Lavorato receives coaching honor

Julia Van Roeyen Sports Writer

Mr. Anthony Lavorato, Jr. is being inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches' Association Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2023. The association seeks to honor the best and most influential coaches in Illinois’ basketball history.

Mr. Lavorato’s career as a head basketball coach spanned 24 years, 19 of which were at Maine South.

Even before he began coaching, Mr. Lavorato had a profound love for basketball. He played high school basketball at Hinsdale South where he was coached by his father.

challenges throughout the season.

“The biggest thing that allowed our team to have success was our team chemistry,” Barker said. “We were all super close, and we had a bond like no other team I have been on.”

With only five of the team’s players graduating in the spring, the Hawks will look to build on this year’s successes next season.

Even now, the team is aiming to make it to the state semifinals next winter.

“We had such a successful season this year and I think the loss in the Super Sectionals just empowered us even more to get farther next year,” Barker said.