Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
NORMAL — The Nashville Hornettes are now just one win away from the second girls basketball state championship in school history after dispatching Robinson 52-36 in the 2A semifinals at CEFCU Arena in Normal.
Makayla Gajewski scored 16 points and Emma Behrmann added 15 for the Hornettes, who tallied the final five points of the first half to take a 22-16 lead at the break, then outscored Robinson 30-20 in the second half for the 16-point win.
Marisa Zane led the Maroons with 14 points. Katelyn Jones added 10.
Nashville led 36-26 after three quarters before cruising to the 16-point victory.
The Hornettes improve to 33-3 and will now face 33-4 Peoria Notre Dame at 1:00 Saturday in the 2A championship game. The Irish clobbered Wilmette (Regina Dominican) 71-25 in the other semifinal.
Robinson came back and beat Wilmette (Regina Dominican) 51-44 in the third place game to finish 29-6 for the season.
Earlier in the day in the 1A semifinals, Alayna Kraus scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead defending champ Okawville (24-11) past Peru (St. Bede) 44-30. The Lady Rockets will have a chance to make it back-to-back state titles Saturday morning at 11:00. Standing in the way will be Illini Bluffs (32-4), who outscored Altamont 14-2 in overtime to win 60-48 in the other semifinal.
Altamont later beat Peru (St. Bede) 64-56 in the third place game behind 39 points from Grace Nelson.
