Play It Again Sports Roundup - Thursday, March 5, 2026.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5 PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS ROUNDUP

GIRLS BASKETBALL

IHSA PLAYOFFS

STATE FINALS AT CEFCU ARENA, ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY, BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL

CLASS 2A

BREESE CENTRAL 48, PLEASANT PLAINS 40: Breese Central led all the way through, with leads after each quarter of 10-4, 17-8, and 35-18, with Pleasant Plains rallying to win the fourth quarter 22-13, but the Cougars taking the win and advancing to Saturday's state final.

Taylor Trame led Central with 15 points, while Lexy Santel had 11 points, both Alexa Morris and Mallory Schubert scored six point each, and Ella Nettemeyer and Lily Butler hit for five points apiece.

The Cougars are now 31-3, and will play Byron, who won the second semifinal over Elgin St. Edward Catholic 49-40, for the state championship Saturday at 12 noon. The Tigers will go into the final at 33-2.

In the third place game played Friday night, Pleasant Plains defeated St. Edward 53-33. The Cardinals end their season at 31-3, while the Green Wave concludes at 27-10.

CLASS 1A

In the Class 1A state semifinals at CEFCU Arena, Mt. Pulaski defeated Mt. Sterling Brown County 47-40 in overtime, while Deer Creek-Mackinaw won over Rockford Christian 48-35 to advance to the final. In the third place game on Thursday evening, Brown County took a 59-47 win over Rockford Christian.

The Hilltoppers are now 33-1. while the Chiefs go to 33-3, and will play for the state championship Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The Hornets conclude the season 32-4, while the Royal Lions finish at 25-13.