Chester-East Lincoln girls going to State

[December 05, 2025]  The Chester-East Lincoln Panthers defeated Sidell Salt Fork 28-24 on Wednesday night to win the 2025 Class 7-2A Sectional Championship at Montessori Academy for Peace in Decatur.
 
With the win the Panthers have punched their ticket to the state tournament!  

The Panthers have reason to smile! They are headed to the IESA State Tournament! Photo courtesy of Ashley Aper

The game was an exciting one for sure. Nerve-wracking is a good word to describe it.

The Panthers led 8-3 after the first quarter but were just clinging to a 10-9 lead at the half. By the end of the third quarter the two teams were tied 17-17.

Lila Cross led the way in the second half, scoring eleven of the team’s points in the final two quarters as the Panthers finished on top 28-24.

“The credit goes to the girls for staying focused and playing great defense,” said coach Josh Gallagher of the win.

Peyton Winebrinner won the IESA Sportsmanship Award for CEL.

Chester East-Lincoln (16-4) will play Glasford Illini Bluffs (17-3) on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Riverton High School in the 7th Grade Class 2A State Tournament. The winner will play at 5:00 p.m. later that day.

Congratulations, Panthers and good luck at State!

Scoring
CEL 28
Cross 13
Winebrinner 6
Gallagher 4
Leesman 2
Bolen 1

Salt Fork 24
Lyons 8
Pierce 6
Beauvois 6
Booker 4

 

Back to top