A year after falling to Monticello in the regional championship at Gibson City, the tides have turned and Prairie Central beat the Sages Friday night in Fairbury to claim the first Hawk regional final in 18 years.
PC head basketball coach Darin Bazzell acknowledged his team’s defense was “spot on” in the 72-38 victory.
“We’ve played some really good defensive games and this was one of them,” Bazzell told Fairbury News. “If we can keep that up, we’ll have a chance to make it down to Champaign.”
Bazzell couldn’t help but get emotional as memories of these players in fifth and sixth grade rolled through his head. It was the last game in the PCHS gymnasium for this group of seniors.
“I’m so happy we could go out of this gym on a high note.”
Bazzell’s son and Hawk player Dylan Bazzell called it a revenge game that meant a lot to the team.
“We were just glad we could come out here and have that defensive intensity and make shots,” Dylan said.
He hopes the players stay focused heading into sectionals and use this motivation to keep rolling through the posteason.
Cam Palmore feels the team came into the game with a strong mentality which is when they play well together. It must have worked as it resulted in the regional championship.
“That was our goal from the beginning looking to get it. Now we are looking to go as far as we can,” noted Palmore.
Tyler Curl and Dylan Bazzell led the way in scoring with a nice effort from Drew Fehr, Drew Haberkorn, Levi Goad, Cam Palmore and Gage Steidinger. Curl was just shy of his career high which he reached during the Bloomington game earlier in the season. He had 22 points on the night.
Marc Strauss called the action live for viewers and listeners on Fairbury News from Prairie Central High School.
The Hawks advance to play Bishop Mac in the Herscher sectional Wednesday at 7 p.m. We will have the call on Fairbury News with a 6:40 p.m. pre-game.
