Miller, Panthers to face Mustangs with chance to win regional title on home floor

CAMP POINT, Ill. — When pressed, Lauren Miller will somewhat begrudgingly pick a preferred sport.

“Basketball is probably my favorite, but I also enjoy volleyball a lot,” she said. “I have a lot of friends on both teams.”

And make no mistake, Miller, a 5-foot-10 all-state basketball player for Camp Point Central, is pretty good at volleyball, too.

On Wednesday night, her volleyball prowess was especially evident when the senior outside hitter spurred Central past arch rival Brown County in the Class 1A regional semifinals.

Miller’s team-leading 11 kills helped Central down Brown County 25-9, 25-19 to advance to Thursday’s 6 p.m. championship game against another old rival, Mendon Unity, which ousted Liberty 2-1 in Wednesday’s other semifinal.

Central (24-7) will be seeking its first regional title since 2012, and will have the added plus on playing in its own gym. Unity (25-12) is gunning for its fourth consecutive regional crown.

The Central-Unity winner will face either New Berlin or Decatur Unity Christian at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the sectional semifinals at Hartsburg-Emden.

“We’re all definitely excited to play for a regional championship on our home floor,” Miller said. “We know we’re going to need to come out with a lot of energy.”

While Miller’s imposing figure was obviously an integral part of Central’s victory, there was also plenty of support around her.

“People always see the big hitters like Lauren and Karly (Peters), and they always look the most impressive, but don’t forget players like Claire Huston at libero and her defense,” Central coach Sarah Bauer-Herron said.

Huston led the club with nine digs and Peters contributed 16 assists.

Remarkably, Central only trailed once in both sets combined, that coming at 1-0 at the start of the second contest. Central dispatched Brown County (18-19) in a 19-minute first set, bolting to a 10-1 lead and never looking back. The nightcap was closer — and a half-hour longer — but Central never allowed the Hornets to establish any sort of foothold on the momentum. 

Brown County only scored as many as three consecutive points twice. Eight times Central rattled off three or more straight points.

“It’s always a rivalry with Brown County, and we never really let them in the game,” Bauer-Herron said.

Central defeated Brown County in all three meetings between the schools this season.

Up next for Central is another rival, and Bauer-Herron is confident the Panthers will be ready.

“We’ll have to play smart, especially on defense against Unity,” she said. “Nothing would be nicer than to hold up the regional championship plaque at home.”

Central has won both matchups to date against Unity. The most recent was three-set verdict Oct. 10 at Unity.

Brown County coach Katie Berens said her club was unable to handle Central’s power — both along the front line and the Panthers’ serving ability — but was far from disappointed in the season.

“This was a rollercoaster season,” Berens said. “We started 2-10, but ended 18-19. We grew a lot as a team.”

Ashlee Markert had seven kills and 10 digs for Brown County. Brooke Garthaus contributed five kills and Ann Schenk eight assists.