Check! Kaneland chess takes 2nd

The Kaneland High School chess team placed second in state this year, but team sponsor Ken Dentino can't decide if that's a bigger deal than their second-place conference finish.

"We beat IMSA," he said. "That might be a higher accomplishment. It's got the 'oooh' factor."

The eight-member team took second in the state class 2A championships in Peoria on Feb. 8-9.

"I was pleasantly surprised," Dentino said. "They exceeded my expectations."

The winners are chosen on a point basis, instead of a head-to-head competition. The team's top player sits at the first board, the second player at Board 2 and so on.

The Kaneland team racked up victories over Stagg High School, Naperville Central High School and Lemont High School.

Senior Ryan Reiger had four wins and one draw at Board 1, a Kaneland best at that spot.

Junior Lucas Ross had five wins and placed 16th in the state at his board. With those wins, he became the all-time career points leader for Kaneland High School chess.

"He'll be able to really set the mark next year," Dentino said.

Team member Keli Patterson placed 20th in the state at Board 8.

Other team members are: seniors Anthony Kephart and Brad Mulligan and sophomores Alex Mollohan, Taylor Krause and Jeremy Piscoran.

Dentino noted that five of his eight team members would be returning to the team next year.

West Aurora High School also had a high finish. Sophomore Matt Kullen placed seventh in his division.