CGS girls head to state
<span>The dream season continues for the Chester Grade School Lady Jr. Jackets.</span>
<span>With a 42-37 defeat of Trico in the championship game of their own regional on Thursday, the Lady Jr. Jackets advanced to the SIJHSAA Class M state tournament Friday at 3:30 p.m. against Christopher on the campus of Rend Lake College in Ina.</span>
<span>The Bearcats defeated Pinckneyville, 50-28, yesterday to win their own regional.</span>
<span>"We're all super excited," said Chester coach Erin Belton. "Even if it's been done before, it's been awhile.</span>
<span>"They realize it's a big deal, so we're all pretty excited."</span>
<span>Against Trico, Chester (19-6) was led by Destiny Williams' 25 points, while Mariah Dunn added 12 <span id="docs-internal-guid-57d1ed3f-509c-0028-e285-edc24e73ad1e"><span>and Hayven Donnell contributed five</span></span>.</span>
<span>Williams also scored 25 points to help the Lady Jr. Jackets beat Red Bud, 47-9, in the Chester Regional semifinal.</span>
<span>"We had played Red Bud earlier that week in our tournament, so they knew what to expect," Belton said.</span>
<span>The consistent scoring ability of Williams is only one reason why the Lady Jr. Jackets have gotten this far. Belton also credited the improvement of Audrey Hopper as a contributing factor.</span>
<span>"This is her first year playing and she has improved tremendously in her knowledge of the game and aggressiveness," Belton said.</span>
<span>Belton gave her thoughts on Christopher, which defeated Sesser-Valier, 50-29, last Wednesday to advance to Saturday's regional championship.</span>
<span>"They're not very tall, but they're fairly quick and pressed constantly (against Pinckneyville)," Belton said. "I feel that if we can control the pace of the game, we'll be OK."</span>
<span>One of the primary challenges for Christopher will be how to handle Williams, who averages more than 20 points a game.</span>
<span>"She's one of the best athletes I've seen in my life," Belton said. "She's amazing to coach. She puts forth more effort than I've ever seen.</span>
<span>"She's always asking questions and never asks to be taken out of a game."</span>
<span>The winner of Chester-Christopher will take on the winner of Jonesboro and Rome at 6 p.m. Jan. 25 in the state semifinals. Jonesboro and Rome play at 4:45 p.m. on Friday as well.</span>
<span>Rend Lake College will be live streaming all games of the state tournament and will also be producing DVDs for sale.</span>
<span>Admission to the games is $2 for students eighth grade and lower and $5 for adults (ninth grade and up).</span>
<span>"I'm just excited for the girls," Belton said. "I've never personally played in this situation, so I'm really excited for them.</span>
<span>"They're not just a talented group, they are a great group of girls."</span>
<span>Belton said CGS will be having a pep rally in support of the team at 12:45 p.m. on Friday.</span>