Lady Bobcats Claim State Baseketball Title For the 11th Time
The girls' basketball team from Immanuel Lutheran School, in Palatine, lived up to their billing as the #1 seed by claiming the title at the Lutheran Sports Association (LSA) Illinois State Basketball Championships, held at St. Peter Lutheran School, in Arlington Heights, March 4-6.
Three Immanuel Lutheran players were named to the All-Tournament Team: Aubrey Horbach, Ruthie Montella, and Margueret Spear. Ruthie Montella also received the tournament's Most Valuable Player Award. "Ruthie has a strong work ethic, she leads thoughtfully, and she willingly serves as a role model for our younger players," said Heather Glaser, girls' head coach at Immanuel Lutheran. "Earlier in the season, while out with an injury, she found her own ways to continue contributing by filling water bottles, folding uniforms, and enthusiastically encouraging her teammates. Ruthie's talent on the court is obvious but her character is far more impressive. We're happy to see Ruthie recognized for all that she brings to our team."
In the girls' championship game, the #1-seeded Lady Bobcats (27-5) faced the Trinity - St. John-Nashville/Okawville (31-6) winning by a final score of 42-20. To reach the championship game, the Lady Bobcats defeated Bethel Lutheran-Morton, 56-22; Christ Lutheran-Peoria, 41-33; and Immanuel Lutheran-Dundee, 44-31. The Immanuel Lutheran Lady Bobcats have now won eleven LSA State Basketball Championships since 1991, more than any other girls' team in the state of Illinois.
"This group has truly been a joy to coach," said Glaser. "The girls are all tough and they work hard, but they push one another while also lifting each other up. They have fun being together, and they genuinely delight in the successes of their teammates, even if it's at the expense of their own playing time. Their selfless attitudes resulted in each and every player contributing to a State Championship. We're very proud of them both on and off the court."
As the LSA Illinois State Basketball State Champions, the girls' team from Immanuel Lutheran received an automatic bid to the 72nd Annual National Lutheran Basketball Association of America Tournament of Champions being held at Valparaiso (Ind.) University, March 17-20.
About Immanuel Lutheran School
If you have any questions about Immanuel Lutheran School or would like to schedule a tour or shadow day, please contact Linda Stammer, Admissions Director, at (847) 359-1936. Immanuel Lutheran Church & School is located at 200 N. Plum Grove Road (at Wood Street) in downtown Palatine, just two blocks east of the Palatine Metra Train Station.
Immanuel Lutheran School spiritually and academically nurtures students (preschool - 8th grade) and provides a solid foundation of knowledge, skills, values and critical thinking which enables students to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Immanuel teachers recognize that they teach children, not subjects. The school is a two-time winner of the Presidential Excellence in Education Award.