Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
NORMAL – Nashville Hornettes earned their second straight trip to the 2A State Championship game with a 60-32 win over Chicago Phillips in the semifinals at CEFCU Arena in Normal.
The Hornettes took control of this one early. After Phillips opened with a three-pointer, Nashville went on a 16-3 run for an early 10-point lead. They led 21-11 after one quarter.
The Hornettes led 35-23 at the half and slammed the door shut by outsourcing the Lady Wildcats 16-4 in the fourth quarter on the way to the 28-point win.
Summer Brinkmann led all scorers with 18 points. Her twin sister Samantha Brinkmann added 12 with Claire Stiegman chipping in 11 off the bench.
Nashville will face Peoria Notre Dame in the title tilt for the second straight year. The Irish scored late to win 48-46 and take home the state championship.
PND used a big second half to beat Mt. Carmel 61-35 in the first 2A semifinal. The Lady Aces trailed just 21-19 at the half, but the Irish outscored them 40-16 in the second to win by 26.
Mt. Carmel downed Phillips in the third place game 50-38 behind 22 points and 18 rebounds from Maycee Randall.
