If only the state football playoffs would copy the Public League. Basketball coordinator Cyrus McGinnis has gone to a straight seeding of teams from No. 1 to No. 32 in setting up a Public League tournament that could see third-ranked Julian and fourth-ranked Westinghouse colliding in the Feb. 26 title game at the United Center. That game will be televised live by WCIU-Ch. 26.
“We believe this is the fairest way to conduct our playoffs,” McGinnis said. “We want the two best teams to make it to the United Center.”
Season’s over
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Leo coach Noah Cannon has kicked junior guard Kijuane Leach (14-point average) off the team for attitude problems that Cannon says were having a negative influence on his younger players. Leo has a bright future behind Dionte Gaskew, Donald Lawson and Antonio Topps.
No promised land
Julian’s highly touted 6-foot-7-inch junior Thijan Moses will not be eligible to play this season or next, according to Julian coach Loren Jackson. The African-born Moses had moved to Canada and then to Chicago and enrolled at Julian last year. “It’s not going to work out for Thijan on the court, but I’m going to work with him on his academics and try to get him a Division I scholarship after he graduates,” Jackson said.
— Bob Sakamoto
In record time
Though she played as a freshman at Parker, Latin’s Sarah Dickerson-Locke managed–in three seasons–to become the Romans’ all-time girls basketball scoring leader. She surpassed Chrissy Dizon’s 1,467 points in Wednesday’s regional win over Noble Street.
Injuries hurt
Hersey’s Shana Lieberman played in the Mid-Suburban League final, but her effectiveness was limited by a broken little finger on her right hand. … Lyons’ leading scorer Mallory Heydorn may be ready for the team’s Class AA regional opener despite a sprained ankle. … Benet is expected to have 6-foot junior Molly McGue back for regional play.
— Alan Sutton
Retiring types
The coaches in a West Suburban Conference rivalry, one of the state’s best in girls gymnastics, are retiring after this season. Garen Lazier has coached Lyons for 33 seasons and will be inducted into the Illinois Girls Gymnastics Coaches Association Hall of Fame Feb. 19. Neil Krupicka has coached Hinsdale Central for 19 years.
— Ken O’Brien