IHSA State Finals: Game Recap 2A Girls

Breese Central Pulls Away Early, Defeats Pleasant Plains 48–40 at CEFCU Arena

NORMAL, Ill. — Breese Central used efficient shooting and a dominant third quarter to defeat Pleasant Plains 48–40 on March 5 at CEFCU Arena (Doug Collins Court).

The Cougars controlled the tempo for most of the game, building a large lead midway through the third quarter and holding off a late Pleasant Plains push to secure the win.

Breese Central’s Efficient Offense Sets the Tone

Breese Central shot an impressive 55.2% from the field (16-29) and 38.5% from three-point range, allowing them to maintain offensive control throughout the game.

After leading 16–10 at halftime, the Cougars exploded in the third quarter with a 14-0 run, stretching the lead to 21 points at its peak.

Forward Taylor Trame led the charge with 15 points and 10 rebounds, recording a strong double-double performance while anchoring the interior.

Lexy Santel added 11 points and 7 rebounds, knocking down 2-of-3 from three-point range, while guard Mallory Schubert provided a spark off the bench with 6 points, including two three-pointers.

Point guard Ella Nettemeier contributed across the board with 5 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds, helping orchestrate Breese Central’s offense.

Pleasant Plains Fights Back Late

Pleasant Plains struggled offensively in the first half, shooting just 13% from the field (3-23) through two quarters.

However, the Cardinals showed resilience in the fourth quarter, scoring 18 points and shooting 60% from the field during the final period.

Forward Anna Weber led Pleasant Plains with 17 points and 10 rebounds, recording a double-double and keeping the Cardinals competitive late.

Guard Bailey Leach added 10 points, including two three-pointers, while Madison Burke contributed 6 points and 8 rebounds.

Despite the late surge, Pleasant Plains’ slow start proved too difficult to overcome.

Key Game Stats

Breese Central

• 55.2% field goal shooting

• 5 three-pointers made

• 26 total rebounds

Pleasant Plains

• 27 total rebounds

• 13 assists

• 9 steals

Game Flow

The game featured several momentum shifts early, but Breese Central’s third-quarter dominance ultimately created the separation needed to secure the victory.

Pleasant Plains mounted a late comeback attempt, but the Cougars’ efficient offense and rebounding advantage helped them close out the contest.

Breese Central finished the night with a balanced scoring effort and strong defensive pressure, proving decisive in the eight-point win.