Carthage eighth graders to play for state title, Nauvoo-Colusa in third-place game

HAVANA, Ill. — A pair of area eighth grade girls basketball teams will be bringing home hardware from their respective state tournaments.

One has the chance to be called state champion.

Carthage played its way into the Class 8-2A title game by winning a pair of games last Saturday at Havana Junior High School. Meanwhile, Nauvoo-Colusa will play for third place in Class 8-1A after splitting its first two state tournament games at Clinton Junior High School.

Carthage opened state tournament play with a 44-32 quarterfinal victory over Villa Grove. Addy Carlisle led the Bluegirls with 14 points, while Maliya Renteria finished with 10 points and Elliotte Surprenant had nine points. Carthage outscored Villa Grove 16-4 in the second quarter to take control.

In the semifinals, Carthage held Bluffs scoreless in the third quarter of what proved to be a 29-15 victory. Carlisle finished with 12 points, while Myah Shutwell added seven points.

Carthage (21-5) will face Illini Bluffs (16-6) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the state title game.

Nauvoo-Colusa won its state quarterfinal, beating Washington St. Patrick 26-17. The Vikings outscored the Irish 11-1 in the third quarter. Maci Haas led Nauvoo-Colusa with 12 points and Scarlett Yuskis finished with nine points.

In the semifinals, Nauvoo-Colusa was knocked off by undefeated West Lincoln-Broadwell, losing 32-25. Haas and Yuskis lead the Vikings with 11 points apiece.

Nauvoo-Colusa (22-1) will face Peoria Limestone Walters (21-5) at 6 p.m. Thursday in the third-place game.