Peyton Ellis Leads McGivney Girls Past Carlinville in Sectional Semifinal

Ellis's 17 points helped the Griffins build a big halftime lead and outscore Carlinville to clinch a spot in the sectional final.

Colin Feeney

Feb 25, 2026 10:10 AM

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Peyton Ellis. VIRDEN - Father McGivney Catholic used a dominant start to move one win away from a sectional title, beating Carlinville 62-31 at the North Mac Sectional in Virden to advance to the Class 2A Sweet Sixteen.

McGivney held Carlinville scoreless in the first quarter while building a 13-0 lead, then took a 29-15 advantage into halftime. The Griffins outscored the Cavaliers 33-16 in the second half to close out the win.

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Peyton Ellis led McGivney with 17 points, and Zoe Oller added 12 points. Layla Tobin had 8 points, Elle Willenborg had 7 and Alexa Jones added 6 for the Griffins.

Kaitlyn Reels led Carlinville with 14 points and Ruthie Reels added 9 points. Avery Davis contributed 5 points for Carlinville.

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McGivney improved to 28-6 and will face Pleasant Plains in Thursday’s final at 6 p.m. Pleasant Plains, 28-2, advanced by defeating Marquette Catholic 52-21 in the second semifinal.

Carlinville finished its season 16-18.

In other IHSA Class 3A action, at the Chester sectional semifinals, Breese Central beat Benton 70-35, and Nashville defeated Metropolis Massac County 54-26. Breese Central is now 28-3, and Nashville improved to 31-2. They will play in the Sweet Sixteen final on Thursday at 6 p.m.

Benton ended its season 24-8, and Metropolis Massac County finished 17-13.

Alexa Jones.