Sterling junior Jossy James was named All-Western Big 6 Conference first-team after tying for the league lead with 19 points per game. Nia Harris and Jae James were also named honorable mention.

Newman's best season since 2009 came to an end after a 60-55 loss to Wethersfield in Thursday's Class 1A Eastland Sectional final.

Newman fell to Wethersfield 60-55 Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, in the Class 1A sectional final at Eastland.

Eastland battled adversity like it has throughout the season, but fell short late in a 41-38 loss to Wethersfield in Tuesday night's sectional semifinal matchup. The Cougars finished the season 27-7 with their first regional title since 2020.

Newman used a strong defensive effort and stayed composed late to beat Galena 42-32 and advance to the Sweet 16. The Comets will face Wethersfield on Thursday at 7 p.m. for the Class 1A Eastland Sectional title.

Newman defeated Galena Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, by a score of 42-32 to advance to the Eastland Class 1A sectional final. Newman will face Wethersfield for the sectional title.

Eastland lost to Wethersfield Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, 41-38 in the Class 1A sectional semifinal hosted by Eastland High School.

Newman's lone senior Lucy Oetting stepped up with 24 points as the Comets beat Bureau Valley 66-41 to win their first regional title since 2009.

The Ottawa girls basketball team held regional top seed Sterling 25 points below its season average, upsetting the Golden Warriors 33-27 for the 3A La Salle-Peru Regional title and a trip to next week’s 3A Galesburg Sectional.