Pekin’s basketball teams hosted Hillcrest Academy on Tuesday, January 27th, with both the Panthers and Lady Panthers earning victories in what proved to be crucial conference matchups.
Girls Basketball: Pekin 49, Hillcrest Academy 31
The Lady Panthers controlled the game from start to finish, opening with an 8-0 run and never looking back in a 49-31 victory over the Ravens. Pekin jumped out to a 14-3 lead after the first quarter, holding Hillcrest scoreless until a three-pointer with 2:27 remaining in the opening period broke the drought. The Lady Panthers extended their advantage to 32-15 by halftime and maintained comfortable leads of 44-27 after three quarters before cruising to the 18-point victory.
Individual Performances
Anna Hadley dominated inside with a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds while adding one steal and one block on efficient 6-of-10 shooting from the field. Abby Guise also recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds while contributing three assists and a game-high seven steals. Carlie Gambell added five points, six rebounds, two assists, and three steals, while Ezra Parsons contributed five points, four rebounds, and two steals. Maddy Petrehn facilitated the offense with four assists while adding three points, one rebound, two steals, and one block.
Off the bench, Kendra Schultz had a clean game with five points, one assist, two steals, and zero turnovers. Addison Smith chipped in three points, one rebound, and one steal, and Mya Glick recorded one rebound, one assist, one steal, and one block. Emma Bayliss and Taylor Moore also saw action in the victory.
By the Numbers
Pekin shot 28.8% from the field (17-of-59), 18.8% from three-point range (3-of-16), and 63.2% from the free-throw line (12-of-19). The Lady Panthers dominated on the boards with 38 rebounds, distributed 11 assists, and forced turnovers with 21 steals and four blocks. Pekin committed 15 fouls and 25 turnovers.
Hillcrest Academy shot 27% from the field (10-of-37), 16.7% from beyond the arc (3-of-18), and 66.7% from the charity stripe (8-of-12). The Ravens grabbed 27 rebounds, recorded seven assists, 11 steals, and two blocks, while committing 16 fouls and 33 turnovers.
Season Outlook
The Lady Panthers improve to 10-7 overall and 9-5 in conference play with the victory. This marks Pekin’s second win over Hillcrest this season, having defeated the Ravens 52-40 on December 19th in their first meeting. Hillcrest Academy falls to 5-12 overall and 3-11 in conference play. Pekin also reaches their first double-digit win season since the 2020-21 season.
Boys Basketball: Pekin 54, Hillcrest Academy 42
The Panthers handed Hillcrest Academy its first conference loss of the season with a 54-42 victory, extending Pekin’s winning streak to eight games. After trailing 13-11 after the first quarter, Pekin took control in the second period to build a 28-23 halftime advantage. The Panthers extended their lead to 40-28 after three quarters and maintained their cushion through the fourth quarter to secure the 12-point victory.
Individual Performances
Cole Millikin led all scorers with 19 points in the winning effort. Henry Adam contributed eight points, while Nolan Glick and Alijah Brock each added six points. Carson Comstock and Riley Smith both chipped in five points, Cal Miller scored three points, and Henry Eubanks added two points.
Season Implications
The Panthers improve to 14-3 overall and 10-3 in conference play, putting them in a race for second place with Winfield-Mt. Union. The eight-game winning streak has transformed Pekin’s season, and the victory over previously undefeated-in-conference Hillcrest serves as a statement win. This result also avenges Pekin’s 57-49 loss to the Ravens on December 19th at Hillcrest in the first meeting between the teams.
Hillcrest Academy slips to 14-2 overall and 13-1 in conference play with their first conference loss of the season. Despite the setback, the Ravens remain atop the conference standings.
Both Pekin teams will look to continue their strong play as the regular season winds down and the postseason approaches.
Photography courtesy of Michael Comstock.
