Girls Basketball: RMS eighth-graders finish fourth at NCJC Championship

The Rochelle Middle School eighth grade girls basketball team took fourth place in the NCJC Championship tournament over the weekend. The team includes Kami Damask, Briel Metzger, Ashley Christy, Leiya Smith, Jasmine Walsh, Reese Kissack, Elena Daugherty, Dylan Etes, Elyse Manning, Olivia Hudzik, Phelisity Lopez, Aeriss Williams, Mackayla Downing and Aiyana Mashaw. The team is coached by Johnny Gonzales. (Courtesy photo)

Rochelle scores first-round win over DeKalb Huntley

SYCAMORE — The Rochelle Middle School eighth grade girls basketball team took fourth place in the NCJC Championship tournament over the weekend. The Royals opened the tournament with a 47-41 overtime victory over DeKalb Huntley on Friday, with Reese Kissack scoring 11 points while Jasmine Walsh and Briel Metzger each totaled nine points in the win.

Aeriss Williams recorded eight points and two players scored five points including Ashley Christy and Aiyana Mashaw. DeKalb Huntley led 19-16 at halftime before Rochelle converted five third-quarter field goals to take a 28-27 lead entering the fourth quarter. The Royals outscored DeKalb Huntley 7-2 during the overtime period to secure the first-round victory.

The Royals lost 38-13 against Burlington Central in the semifinal round. Aeriss Williams and Briel Metzger each scored four points. Rochelle faced Kaneland Harter in the third place game, falling 40-28 despite Reese Kissack and Aeriss Williams each scoring seven points. Briel Metzger and Leiya Smith each added four points, while Ashley Christy totaled three points.