The Ottawa Pirates started the season strong by beating IVC 65-43 at Kingman Gym in the Dean Riley tournament. Luke Cushing led the Pirates with a game-high 19 points, five rebounds and four steals. Braiden Miller had 15-points, 11-rebounds for a double-double and Anthony Miller had 14 points and five rebounds.
After the Ottawa – IVC game, Streator outscored Pontiac 65-62. For the Bulldogs, Jack Haynes had a game high 24 points and 15 rebounds. Christian Benning also added 16 points and five assists
Other results from last night: Seneca held on to beat Mendota 46-40, St Bede defeated their host Woodland 55-38, Dwight beat Earlville 68-53 and Coal City were winners over Serena 51-42.
Tune in tonight for more Ottawa High School basketball when the Pirates face Dixon at Kingman Gym in the Dean Riley Thanksgiving Tournament. Game time is at 8pm with Isaac Missel and Andrew Evola with the call of the game on 93.5 1430 WCMY and online at 1430 WCMY DOT DOM.
Games scheduled for tonight.
Also at the Dean Riley tournament, IVC vs. Oak Forest and LP will face Marengo.
Serena takes on Morris at Coal City/Manteno Turkey Tourney and at the Route 17 Classic At Woodland, St Bede will face Flanagan-Cornell.
In girls basketball, Seneca defeated Midland 50-19, The Lady Irish were led by Kennedy Hartwig and Carly Greve with each scoring nine points.
Girls junior high basketball
The 7th grade Shepherd Lady Rams defeated Dirksen from Joliet 46-11 and advanced to the IESA regional championship. Ashlyn Ganiere had 19 points and Meredith Waldron added 12 more for Shepherd.
The Marquette Academy 7th graders were winners over Woodland 40-16 in the 2nd round of the regionals and will play for the championship on Wednesday at Marquette. Leading the way for the Lady Knights was Anna Hjerpe with 15 points.