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Middle School Hoops: Thrice As Nice

The Harrisburg Middle School girls' basketball team finally got over the hump against Massac County, knocking off the Patriots 40-29 to capture the school's third straight regional championship Saturday.

Behind a team-high 13 points from Lydia Miller, Harrisburg, who had lost twice to Massac County earlier this year, will now advance to the 2016 Girls Basketball Class L State Tournament Saturday at Rend Lake College.

"Massac had beaten us twice this year," HMS head coach Denise Clayton said. "The girls were so focused and determined to beat them. We had intense practices and the girls were willing to get out of their comfort zone and take their individual game up a level. We had a plan and the girls executed it."

Essence Sanders netted nine points, while Tori Behrens scored seven points for HMS. Lauren McDaniel finished with five points and Shanaya Barker had two points in the win.

Harrisburg now improves to 17-9 on the season and will play Collinsville Saturday at 10:45.

As for the school capturing their third straight regional title, Clayton said that just doesn't happen, but why it happens at Harrisburg is because of the cooperation from parents, players and staff.

"I am lucky to have a supportive administration, parents, and the girls are willing to practice hard, take instruction, and compete. The girls have a summer practice schedule where we work on individual skills and we play about 15 games in the summer so that they can learn to apply what they learn in practice.

"April Horning and Amy Buchanan could be successful high school coaches anywhere and Harrisburg is lucky that they are willing to volunteer their time and expertise year after year with our middle school program. The seventh grade coach, Kenny McDaniel has coached this years eighth grade since they were in fourth grade. When you put all of that together it equals players that have the individual skills to compete and consistent success in our program, hence, three years straight regional championships."

2016 Girls

Basketball Class L State Tournament

at Rend Lake College

Saturday, January 23

GAME 1: Benton vs. Mt. Carmel, 9:30 a.m.

GAME 2: Harrisburg vs. Collinsville, 10:45 a.m.

GAME 3: Carterville vs. Du Quoin, 12 p.m.

Game 4: Centralia vs. Highland, 1:15 p.m.

Tuesday, January 26

GAME 5: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2, 6 p.m.

GAME 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4, 7:15 p.m.