25 Sports Saturday - February 25, 2023

CENTRAL ILLLINOIS (25 News Now) - Saturday was a big day in high school wrestling. Both team wrestling and girls wrestling state championships were held in Bloomington all day Saturday.

The Washington Panthers competing for its fifth team state title, taking on Joliet Catholic in the Class 2A championship. The Panthers edge Joliet Catholic 28-27 to bring home the state title.

In girls’ state wrestling, three central Illinois wrestlers take home second-place finishes. At 130 pounds, El Paso-Gridley sophomore Savannah Hamilton takes second for the second-straight year. At 145 pounds, Savannah’s older sister Valerie Hamilton finishes runner-up. At 135 pounds, Canton sophomore Kinnley Smith takes home second.

Sunday is a big day for Bradley basketball. The Braves welcome Drake to Carver Arena with the Missouri Valley Conference regular season title on the line. The Braves haven’t won a regular-season MVC title since 1996. Tipoff Sunday is set for 3 p.m.

The Fighting Illini are on the road Sunday taking on Ohio State. The Illini are excited to be healthy and at full strength for the first time this season.

Also Saturday, the Illinois State women remain atop the MVC with a 78-49 win over Valparaiso on senior day. The Redbirds were led by DeAnna Wilson, who had 20. Mary Crompton chipped in 16, while Normal Community grad Maya Wong finished with 13. ISU is tied for first in the Valley with Belmont headed into the final week of the regular season.

Copyright 2023 WEEK. All rights reserved.