Central-Southeastern Classic: State-ranked teams roll through first two games

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The three state-ranked teams in the Central-Southeastern Classic field showed why they are so highly regarded with a pair of victories apiece on the tournament’s opening day.

The host school showed it belongs in the conversation, too.

Illini West, ranked fourth in Class 2A and the tournament favorite after winning the Beardstown Lady Tiger Classic at Christmas, blasted its first two foes, dispatching Liberty 65-17 and hammering Lewistown 68-28.

Against Liberty, the Chargers (19-1) limited the Eagles to one field goal in the first half in building a 44-3 lead. Senior point guard Caydee Kirkham led Illini West with 23 points, including five 3-pointers. Ten of the 11 Chargers who played scored.

The Chargers went 9 of 12 from the free-throw line in the first half against Lewistown, building a 36-10 halftime lead. Kirkham led Illini West with 19 points, while Reagan Reed added 11 points and Hallei Ray scored 10.

Unity, ranked third in Class 1A, rebounded from back-to-back losses to Illini West by drubbing South Fulton 72-31 and West Hancock 74-34. In the opener, Ashlynn Arnsman finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Sophia Shaffer had 15 points and Brooklyn Stiefel added 12 points.

Against the Titans, Arnsman led the Mustangs with 19 points, while Shaffer had 12 points and Taylor Nichols and Barry each scored 10.

Brown County, which moved into the Class 1A state poll this week at No. 7, got the tournament started with a 72-33 victory over Lewistown and finished the first day with a 61-13 victory over Liberty.

In the first quarter against the Indians, three Hornets — Katey and Klare Flynn and Kaci McKeon — combined to make five 3-pointers as part of a 29-point burst. Brown County led 43-22 at halftime. Klare Flynn finished with 24 points, while Katey Flynn and McKeon each had 18 points.

Against Liberty, the Hornets scored 33 points in the first quarter. Klare Flynn scored 17 of her 24 points in the first quarter, while Gracie Hedden had 12 points and Katey Flynn added 11.

Central-Southeastern cruised to a 67-34 victory over West Hancock and finished the opening round with a 56-39 victory over South Fulton.

Against the Titans, Lauren Miller scored 15 of her game-high 23 points in the first half. Brilyn Lantz added 12 points, while Abbey McMillen and Amanda Stephens had nine points apiece. Against South Fulton, the Panthers raced to an 18-5 lead after the first quarter and never were challenged. Lantz finished with 14 points, and Miller had 11.