Trio of area girls teams take on district finals tonight

A few comments from coaches who are leading their girls basketball teams into district finals tonight.

For example, the Medicine Valley girls play a state qualifier in Shelton at 7 p.m. against the No. 2-seed and returning state finalist Shelton Bulldogs.

Coach Derek Bantam offered these remarks:

"We are excited for the opportunity to get to Lincoln with a win on Friday. The girls have had a great week of practice leading up to the game on Friday. We are playing well at the right time of year, the confidence in all the girls has been contagious and great to see!

Shelton is a well coached team, they play great defense, shoot well and have a deep bench. They have experience on their side as are the returning state runner up. We will have to execute in the half court well, take care of the ball and be able to handle their pressure defense.

We will go give it our best shot and see what happens!"

Meanwhile, the C-2 No. 6 Southern Valley Eagles take on Archbishop Bergan from Fremont at Aurora tonight.

Coach Richard McDonald "Bergan is a name most are familiar with. They will be disciplined and physical. It will be a test of our maturity to see if we can handle both. We need to control our emotions and settle into the game.

Not get to high and not get to low and just work towards our keys."

Always contending Maywood-Hayes Center plays an 8-9 seed game against Elgin Pope John tonight at Kearney Catholic High School. Opening tip is set for 6 p.m.

Watch for May-Hay and other team coverage in the next Gazette.