Mashal chooses Lindenwood

Perhaps some colleges might have been scared away by Dave Mashal and his torn ACL.

Not Lindenwood University.

The senior defensive tackle on St. Charles East's football team tore his ACL in early November in the second round of the Class 7A playoff game against Geneva.

Lindenwood, however, still pursued Mashal. It paid off, as earlier this week, the all-stater committed to becoming a Lion next year.

"It's an opportunity of a lifetime," Mashal said. "I don't know many colleges that would that for me. In return, I'm going to play my butt off for them."

Mashal will be going from St. Charles, IL, to St. Charles, MO., where the NAIA school is located.

"It's a great fit for him," St. Charles East coach Ted Monken said. "This is great opportunity for him."

Mashal had surgery in early January. He said his recovery has been "awesome" and "better than expected."

Mashal capped his senior season with the Saints as the runner-up defensive player in the Upstate Eight Conference and was the "heart and soul" of the team.

The Lions went 10-2 this season.

Girls basketball

Marengo 52, Burlington Central 38: Cory Bazany's 16 points weren't enough to lift the Rockets (17-10, 6-3) in a Big Northern-East loss on Rocket Hill. Junior guard Hallisey Kunde scored 16 points to lead Marengo (13-14, 6-4).