13-02-2025
Washington enters postseason with 30-1 record, No. 1 ranking and momentum
WASHINGTON, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Momentum can be a fleeting thing.
But it appears the Washington girls basketball team has it after beating Morton in the regular season finale to clinch the Mid-Illini Conference title on Tuesday.
'It's really momentum for us going into postseason with this Mid-Illini Conference championship,' said junior guard Avery Tibbs. 'It feels really good and it's a boost of momentum for us.'
Tibbs scored 19 points as Washington rallied from a six-point halftime deficit to shoot past the Potters, 67-50. The Panthers hit seven of their nine three-pointers in the second half against Bob Becker's Potters.
'I think this is a huge step in the right direction,' said Washington coach Kim Barth. 'Morton is a great program. I'll always give (Becker) credit. It's a well-coached, disciplined team. For us to make a run like that in the second half, means good things are coming.'
Washington (30-1, 13-1) avenged its loss of the season with the win. The Panthers are ranked No. 1 in the state in class 3A with the Illinois High School Association postseason starting this weekend.
'Obviously, it feels good but honestly now we are 0-0,' said junior Becca McDougall. 'On any day it be any (opponent's) game. We just have to keep being us. And do our thing.'
The Panthers host a regional next week and begin play on Monday.
'The next game is the next game. We are not going to focus on this game for our next one,' junior Dani Guedet said after scoring 16 points in the win at Morton. 'Our next game is a completely new (season).'
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