The Class 1A State Champion Schlarman Academy Girl’s Basketball Team has been recognized in the nation’s capital. Congressman John Shimkus entered a message into the Congressional Record congratulating Schlarman on its second consecutive state title.
‘’Head Coach Keith Peoples has molded a team with both a high-powered offense and a stingy defense,’’ said Shimkus. He noted that during the past two seasons, the Hilltoppers have posted a combined 62 – 3 record.
The statement read by Representative Shimkus into the Official Congressional Record says:
‘’Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Danville Schlarman High School girls’ basketball team on winning the 2019 Illinois Class 1A championship. Schlarman defeated Lanark Eastland 62-36 in the final. The win capped a 31-2 season and the Hilltoppers’ second consecutive state title.
The tremendous amount of hard work and dedication the team put forth during the season was apparent in its dominant victories during the state playoffs. A 17-point win in the semifinals was the team’s smallest margin of victory in postseason play. During the past two seasons, the Hilltoppers have posted a combined 62-3 record.’’
[** Note: You can click on the photo to enlarge it.]
And the statement from Congressman Shimkus added:
‘’Head Coach Keith Peoples molded a team with both a high-powered offense and a stingy defense. The Hilltoppers scored 80 or more points seven times and yielded 20 or fewer on seven occasions. The 2018-2019 team was led by four standout seniors – Destiny Dye, Janiah Newell, Anaya Peoples, and Sydney Gouard – along with junior Capria Brown.
It gives me great pleasure to extend my sincere congratulations to the entire team, which also included CeCe Damilano, Tannah Ceader, Taylor Fowler, Suzette Semersheim, Lauren Barnette, McKaylee Allen, and Emma Bogen. Coach Peoples was assisted by Jerry O’Neill, David Gouard, and Ollie Harrison, and team managers were Ana Fitzgerald, Elizabeth Stimac, and Molly Deboard.
Madam Speaker, the players, coaches, and entire school community should be very proud of their accomplishments. I wish the graduating seniors all the best in their future endeavors and good luck to those who will return for a chance to make it three in a row next season,’’ said Congressman Shimkus on the House Floor.
