Sterling progress for the Sectional final against Dixon, tie team wins Record – Shaw Local

Rockford – Sterling achieved at the right time.

The Golden Warriors used the dominant first and third quarters to defeat Crystal Lake Central 62-30 in the Catholic section game of class 3a Boylan Catholic.

After his ninth victory in a row, Sterling (29-5) rose for the first time since 2013 to the Sweet 16 and tied the program record for individual oisons for Siege 1979.

Sterling meets Dixon, who defeated Kaneland at 6:30 p.m. in the sectrum of Soday at 40 a.m. to 30 p.m. Sterling won the Matchup 44-18 at the beginning of this season.

On Tuesday, the Warriors led 26: 4 after the first quarter and led a two -digit lead throughout the victory.

“We knew that we could achieve this victory if we got in strongly,” said Sterling Jae James. “But we weren't cocky.”

Sterling was sharp, but played easily when every starter scored in the first quarter. Madison Austin scored 10 of her game height of 22 points in the first eight minutes. Jae James scored 12 and Joslynn James added 11.

“As soon as a girl in our team hits this first shot, we only have this additional energy,” said Jae James. “We are building the energy of the other.”

The impulse snowed when Sterling quickly built his lead.

The Tigers (22-10) started to steal with 17: 11 in the second quarter, but the ascent was too steep.

Clc Junior Ruby Macke had 15 points at halftime, but was limited to 19 for the game. She scored 43 points in one game at the beginning of this season.

“We knew that Sterling would be a tough opponent and they came out a lot of energy,” said CLC coach Joe Capalbo. “[They] I just got a lot of momentum early. I thought we did a good job.

“Just a difficult environment to start the game.”

Sterling Department of Sterling in particular has contributed to promoting the dynamics because the Tiger had 17 sales in the game.

Sterling was able to empty the bank with more than six minutes when a running clock was enforced.

“I think your press came to us immediately,” said Capalbo. “We have to struggle with teams all season that decide to press. With their speed and speed it was a challenge. “

Capalbo said Sterling was particularly challenging, led by the 6-foot-3 recruit by Illinois State Austin, surrounded by four fast guards.

“We decided to take ourselves [Austin] Away and let the Perimeter girl beat us, ”he said. “And they did it.”

Austin said the team was confident. It showed.

“We started really well,” she said. “We somehow slowed down, but we just have to continue it all the time.”

Sterling coach Taylor Jackson said her team was fully committed to what she wants.

“They believe in what we want to do and I think they came out and they did it from the start,” she said. “You started with so much energy, and that was just a great start for our group.”

Sterling continues to play as a unit. Delali Amankwa scored five points and Nia Harris added six with nine rebounds.

“We have 16 girls and they are all locked up to achieve this,” said Jackson.

With a shot to set up the program record for victories and maintain its first section title since 2007, Sterling continues to do the gates.

“It feels incredible,” said Jae James. “And it is very well deserved how hard we work every day.”

The Tigers complete two seniors in Leah Spychala and Hadley Ferrero.

“We completed eight seniors last year and really only let one girl come back. I don't think many people thought that this team would do what we did, ”said Capalbo. “I think we have revised this year and I am very proud of everything they did.”

Leah Spychala by Crystal Lake Central and Nia Harris von Sterling after a loose ball during their semi -final game in class 3a on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Catholic High School of the Boylan in Rockford. (Mark Busch)