GHS Freshman Basketball Team Finishes Season at 9-5

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Members of the GHS Freshman Boys’ Basketball Team include, in front from left, Carter Dickey, Ethan Galloway, Dylan Haser, Gavin Hintgen, Jayden Wexell, Reese Minnaert; in back, Coach Josh Spensley, Tyler Gross, Jaydon Burrage, Keaton Ariano, Jack Kreiss and Andre Diedicker. Owen Finegan also was on the team, but joined the group after the photo was taken. Contributed Photo

The Geneseo High School Freshman Boys’ Basketball Squad finished their season with a 9-5 record, and Coach Josh Spensley said, “The Freshmen had a great season. We played an up-tempo game with full court pressure and a quick attacking offense.”

“Above all, a great group of guys on the court and off the court,” he added.

The team recorded 5-4 in Western Big 6 Conference play; 4-3 on the road; and 5-2 at home.

The road wins were against Rock Island, Galesburg, Moline and Kewanee.

Snyder, Curcuru, & Piquard Compete At State

Photo Credit: GHS Girls Wrestling

Junior Bella Curcuru along with freshmen Molly Snyder and Lauren Piquard competed at the IHSA Girls State Finals on Friday February 23 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. Claire Swanson, Lydia King, and 2022-23 state qualifier Gia Ritter joined the trio as practice partners. While the results did not go in favor of the Lady Leafs on Friday, this season was another huge step for a program that’s in their first official season and second overall!

Results
100: Molly Snyder
R1: Lost to Riley Kongkaeow of Round Lake (Fall 5:19)
C1: Lost to Genevieve Dykstra of Edwardsville (5:12)

125: Bella Curcuru
R1: Lost to Lilly White of Bartlett (9-1 Major Decision)
C1: Lost to Avery Smith of Red Bud (Fall 1:25)

140: Lauren Piquard
R1: Lost to Taylor Owens of Fithian Oakwood (Fall 2:57)
C1: Lost to Iyobosa Odiase of Oak Forest (Fall 4:55)

Congratulations to the Lady Leafs on a fantastic season!

Maple Leaf Wrestling Season Comes To A Close

Photo Credit: Brian Sebastian

The 2023-24 Maple Leaf wrestling season came to an end on Tuesday February 20th as the defending state champion Washington Panthers defeated GHS 45-22 in the 2A Dual Sectional in Rochelle. The Leafs finish the season with a 12-5 dual record.

Results
190: Colten Mooney lost to Zane Hulet (10-2 Major Decision)
215: Logan Palmer lost to Josh Hoffer (Fall 5:19)
285: Brayden Franzen lost to Sean Thornton (Fall 3:00)
106: TJ Kennedy lost to Zed Hulet (Fall 1:20)
113: Tim Sebastian defeated Logan Makiney (12-1 Major Decision)
120: Kie Smith lost to Noah Woods (16-1 Technical Fall)
126: Devan Hornback lost to Eli Gonzalez (6-0 Decision)
132: Grady Hull lost to Timmy Smith (7-2 Decision)
138: Izaac Gaines lost to Wyatt Medlin (Fall 1:35)
144: Malaki Jackson defeated Jackson Sonderman (10-2 Major Decision)
150: Josh Hock defeated Jonathan Rokey (Fall 1:55)
157: Zachary Montez defeated Tyler Brown (23-8 Technical Fall)
165: Kye Weinzierl defeated Cruise Brolley (9-3 Decision)
175: Wyatt Neumann lost to Cael Miller (Fall 1:18)

Congratulations on a great season Leafs!

GHS Sophomore Boys’ Basketball Team Finishes Season 12-13

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo High School Sophomore Boys’ Basketball team finished their season with a 12-13 record; 6-8 in the WB 6 Conference. The team’s road wins were at Dixon, Quincy, Sterling and Alleman. In the photo are, front from left, Ashton Veloz, Aden McCann and Brody Clementz; in back, Coach Ky VanKerrebroeck, Grant Bomleny, Grady Bernahl, Kwin VanKerrebroeck and Landon Nordstrom. Greyson Carlson also is also a sophomore on the team, but was absent for the photo. There were five freshman that played on the team. Jack Kreiss, Keaton Ariano, Jaydon Burrage, Gavin Hintgen, and Dylan Haser. Contributed Photo

2A State Final Results. Montez Earns Third Medal!

Photo Credit: Brian Sebastian

Five Maple Leaf grapplers competed in the IHSA 2A Individual State Finals this past weekend at the State Farm Center in Champaign. Junior Zachary Montez earned medal number three with his third place finish over Tyson Rakers of Highland. Montez finished third in 2023 (132) and fourth in 2022 (113). Tim Sebastian, Izaac Gaines, Malaki Jackson, & Kye Weinzierl each won at least one match during the finals but did not place. Next Up: At Rochelle on Tuesday February 20th for the 2A Dual Sectional versus defending 2A State Champion Washington. Congratulations Leafs on your individual success and good luck in Rochelle!

GHS Results
113) Tim Sebastian (28-11)
R1: Lost to John Sheehy of Niles Notre Dame (Decision 7-5)
CR1: Defeated Brian Bahena of Chicago Little Village (Major Decision 10-0)
CR2: Lost to Victor Alvarado of Chicago Kennedy (Sudden Victory 12-10)

138) Izaac Gaines (21-6)
R1: Defeated Oliver Davis of Chicago Brother Rice (Decision 7-3)
QTR: Lost to Dillon White of Mt. Vernon (Fall 1:04)
CR2: Lost to Trevor Schoonover of Champaign Centennial (Sudden Victory 3-1)

144) Malaki Jackson (33-11)
R1: Lost to Pat Mullen of Elmhurst IC Catholic (Fall 1:54)
CR1: Defeated Nathen Herrin of Bethalto Civic Memorial (Decision 13-8)
CR2: Defeated Ron Baker III of Champaign Central (Decision 7-5)
CR3: Lost to Mark Martinez of Deerfield (Major Decision 10-1)

150) Zachary Montez (42-3)
R1: Defeated Caden Frey of Marion (Fall 5:17)
QTR: Lost to Brody Kelly of Elmhurst IC Catholic (Decision 4-2)
CR2: Defeated Steven Marvin of Morton (Decision 9-7)
CR3: Defeated Alessio Pezzella of Crystal Lake Central (Decision 7-2)
CS: Defeated Noah O’Connor of Lemont (Decision 8-3)
3RD: Defeated Tyson Rakers of Highland (Decision 5-3)

157) Kye Weinzierl (34-5)
R1: Defeated Braxton Warren of Chatham Glenwood (Fall 4:34)
QTR: Lost to Nicholas Cheshier of Wauconda (Sudden Victory 9-4)
CR2: Defeated Robby Nelson of Yorkville Christian (Decision 5-3)
CR3: Lost to Harrison Conder of Lombard Montini (Decision 9-2)

R1 = Round 1
QTR=Quarterfinal
CR1=Consolation Round 1
CR2=Consolation Round 2
CR3=Consolation Round 3
CS =Consolation Semfinal
3RD=3rd Place

Eric States Wins GHS Ping Pong Tournament

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Eric States, a junior at Geneseo High School, was the winner in the recent GHS Invitational Ping Pong Tournament. For more information about the GHS Ping Pong Club, contact States or GHS instructor Steve Brucher. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Montez & Weinzierl Crowned Sectional Champs! Sebastian, Jackson, & Gaines Also Heading To State!

Photo Credit: Brian Sebastian

Zachary Montez and Kye Weinzierl punched their ticket to the IHSA State Championships with first place finishes at the Sycamore Sectional on Saturday February 10th! Joining Montez & Weinzierl are Tim Sebastian and Malaki Jackson who each finished second in their respective weight classes along with third place qualifier Izaac Gaines. Montez will be competing in the state finals for the third consecutive year and it will also be the second straight for Weinzierl and Jackson. This is Sebastian’s second appearance and the first for Gaines. The state finals will take place February 15-17 at State Farm Center in Champaign. Good luck Maple Leafs!

Maple Leaf Results
1: Zachary Montez (150)
1: Kye Weinzierl (157)
2: Tim Sebastian (113)
2: Malaki Jackson (144)
3: Izaac Gaines (138)
Also competing for the Leafs were Devan Hornback (126/3-2), Grady Hull (132/3-2), Colten Mooney (215/0-2), & Brayden Franzen (285/202).

Lady Leaf Wrestling Sending Three To State!

Full Gallery

Lauren Piquard, Bella Curcuru, & Molly Snyder are heading to the IHSA State Championships! Piquard took 3rd at Saturdays sectional at GHS with Curcuru and Snyder finishing 4th in their respective weight classes. The state finals will take place February 23 & 24 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. Good luck Lauren, Bella, & Molly and congratulations to the entire Lady Leafs wrestling team on a historic season!

Lady Leaf Results
3: Lauren Piquard (140)
4: Molly Snyder (100)
4: Bella Curcuru (125)
Also competing for GHS were Claire Swanson (105/0-2), Lydia King (110/1-2), Emily Bopes (120/0-2), Grace Schilling (130/0-2), Gia Ritter (135/2-2), Madeline Roberts (145/1-2), Mady Mooney (155/3-2), Macy Litherland (170/0-2), & Aislan Leetch (235/1-2).

Ford Wraps Up GHS Career At Sectionals.

Senior Allyson Ford wrapped up her GHS career as she rolled a 1,026 (54th overall) at the IHSA Sectional in DeKalb on Saturday February 10th. Sophomore Ashlin Teves of Machesney Park Harlem won the championship with a score of 1,476. Congratulations Allyson and the 2023-24 Lady Leafs team on a great season!

Ford’s Scores
Game 1: 159
Game 2: 192
Game 3: 176
Game 4: 189
Game 5: 162
Game 6: 148

Ford Advances To Sectionals!

Senior Allyson Ford advances to the IHSA Sycamore Sectional after finishing 12th overall at the Sterling Regional on Saturday February 3! With a score of 1,098, Ford finished 271 pins behind regional champion Sarah Doughty of Sterling. The Sectional will take place at Mardi Gras Lanes in DeKalb on Saturday February 10. Good luck Allyson!

The Lady Leafs as a team finished 7th overall with a score of 4625 to conclude their season. LaSalle-Peru won the team regional with 5,875 total pins.

Allyson Ford - 1,098 (160, 182, 205, 233, 181, 137)
Paige Swain - 949 (146, 121, 160, 172, 159, 191)
Katelyn Durnell - 932 (132, 165, 151, 144, 170, 170)
Lexi Johnson - 891 (130, 140, 136, 169, 117, 199)
Olivia Dickey - 357* (117, 109, 131)
Emilia Schmitt - 304* (158, 146)
Jessa Gramling - 94* (94)
*Dickey bowled games 2, 3, & 4. Schmitt bowled games 5 & 6. Gramling bowled game 1

4 Champs Crowned As Leafs Win 2nd Straight Regional Title!

Photo Credit: Brian Sebastian

A pinfall by Brayden Franzen propelled GHS to their second consecutive 2A Regional Championship on Saturday February 3rd in Rock Island! With the title hanging in the balance and Dixon leading by four, Franzen secured the fall with six seconds remaining in the first period over the Dukes Dylan Bopes. Individually, GHS will be sending nine wrestlers overall to the 2A Individual Sectional. In addition to Franzen, regional titles were also won by Malaki Jackson, Zachary Montez, and Kye Weinzierl.

Individual Sectional will be held in Sycamore next Friday & Saturday.
Team Sectional will be held in Rochelle on Tuesday February 20th.

Team Results (Top 5 Only)
1: Geneseo (186 - Advances To Team Sectional)
2: Dixon (184)
3: Rock Island (170)
4: Galesburg (147)
5: Sterling (100)

GHS Individual Results
1: Malaki Jackson (145 - Advances To Sectional)
1: Zachary Montez (150 - Advances To Sectional)
1: Kye Weinzierl (157 - Advances To Sectional)
1: Brayden Franzen (285 - Advances To Sectional)
2: Tim Sebastian (113 - Advances To Sectional)
2: Devan Hornback (126 - Advances To Sectional)
2: Grady Hull (132 - Advances To Sectional)
2: Izaac Gaines (138 - Advances To Sectional)
3: Colten Mooney (215 - Advances To Sectional)
4: Logan Palmer (190)
Also participating for the Leafs were Kie Smith (120), Brennan Lambin (165), & Wyatt Neumann (175).

Congratulations & Good Luck Leafs!

Lady Leafs Advance 12 To Sectionals In Regional Championship Win!

In only their second season of existence, Lady Leafs wrestling continue to impress as they finished first overall at the Erie-Prophetstown Regional! In addition to the team victory, GHS will be sending twelve wrestlers to the Geneseo Sectional! The sectional will be held on February 9th & 10th at GHS! Good luck Lady Leafs!

Results
1st: Aislan Leetch (235)
2nd: Lydia King (110)
2nd: Bella Curcuru (125)
3rd: Molly Snyder (100)
3rd: Gia Ritter (135)
3rd: Macy Litherland (170)
4th: Grace Schilling (130)
4th: Madelynn Roberts (145)
4th: Mady Mooney (155)
5th: Claire Swanson (105)
5th: Emily Bopes (120)
6th: Lauren Piquard (140)
Also competing for the Lady Leafs was Molly Neumann (190).

Top 4 Teams
1: Geneseo 205
2: Galesburg 155
3: Macomb 134
4: Canton 112

Pruett Competes At State! Finishes 21st Overall.

GHS Senior Landen Pruett competed in the IHSA State Bowling Finals on January 26 & 27 at the O’Fallon St. Claire Bowl. Pruett, the first Geneseo boys bowler to ever compete at state finished 21st overall with 2,539 pins. Charlie Hunt of Rockton Hononegah won the championship with a 2,767 score.

Pruett’s Scores
Round 1: 593 (211, 174, 208)
Round 2: 670 (216, 196, 258)
Round 3: 714 (279, 202, 233)
Round 4: 562 (195, 190, 177)
Congratulations Landen and the 2023-24 Maple Leafs team on a fantastic season!

Leafs Finish 4th In Tight WB6 Battle. Montez Wins 3rd Straight Crown!

The Western Big Six Championship took place on Friday January 26 at Wharton Field House where the top four schools all finished within fourteen points of each other. New WB6 champion Quincy ended the Leafs run of three consecutive titles with 164 points followed by Rock Island (157.5), Moline (151), & Geneseo (150). Leaf junior Zachary Montez won his third consecutive WB6 Championship with a 2nd period fall (2:23) over Jack Sibley of Moline.

Standings
1: Quincy 164
2: Rock Island 157
3: Moline 151
4: Geneseo 150
5: Galesburg 120
6: Sterling 86
7: East Moline (United) 80
8: Alleman 19

GHS Results
1st: Zachary Montez (150)
2nd: Tim Sebastian (113)
2nd: Devan Hornback (126)
2nd: Izaac Gaines (138)
2nd: Malaki Jackson (144)
2nd: Kye Weinzierl (157)
3rd: Jacob Stahl (285)
4th: TJ Kennedy (106)
4th: Grady Hull (132)
4th: Colten Mooney (190)
Also competing for the Leafs were Kie Smith, Brennan Lambin, Wyatt Neumann, & Logan Palmer.

Next Up: 2A Individual Regionals at Rock Island on Saturday February 3.

Lady Leaf Pink Zone January 25th

By Dalcon DeMaranville
Geneseo Current

In what has become an annual event, the Geneseo High School girls basketball team will once again be hosting Pink Zone Night. I talked with Morgan Wassenhove about this years event and why it’s so important.

“Pink Zone Night is January 25th”, said Morgan Wassenhove. The soph game tips at 5:30 and the varsity at 7:00.” Cancer survivors have been invited to be in attendance. Lady Leafs will have an opportunity to have a slideshow played in memory of friends and family on the videoboard.

I asked Mrs. Wassenhove about the recipient of this years event. “All donations are going to 3D Strong Cancer Wellness Group at Hammond-Henry Hospital and Geneseo Breast Cancer Support Group.” Wassenhove noted “There’s a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction with items donated by local businesse, and a bake sale all in the main hallway. We also sold pink shirts and a portion of those sales will also be donated.”

The Lady Leafs welcome Sterling this Thursday the 25th. All students K-12 wearing pink will be admitted free. The Lady Leafs will be sporting their pink uni’s for breast cancer awareness.

2023 Pink Zone

Pruett Makes History! Advances To State!

Geneseo Senior Landen Pruett advances to the IHSA State Bowling Finals following a 3rd place finish (among non-team qualifiers) at Saturdays Rockford Jefferson Sectional. By advancing to state, Pruett becomes the first GHS boys bowler to qualify for the finals and the first GHS bowler since the Lady Leafs Madison Holevoet in 2021-22. The state finals will be held at the St. Claire Bowl in O’Fallon this Friday & Saturday. Good luck Landen!!

Landen Pruett - 1,330 (234,247,243,203,205,198)
Carter VanOpdorp - 1,149 (182, 193, 206, 197, 193, 178)
Bryce Sanders - 1,137 (182, 172, 195, 186, 181, 221)
Van Hernandez - 922 (213, 197, 161, 203, 148)
Quinnland Einfeldt - 765 (147, 257, 208, 153)
Karson Banister - 521 (161, 179, 181)
*Hernandez bowled games 2,3,4,5, & 6. Einfeldt bowled games 1,4,5,& 6. Banister bowled games 1,2, & 3.

The Leafs overall finished 10th place (522 pins behind champion Machesney Park Harlem) to conclude the team season.

The Rocks Slip By Leafs 34-33.

Rock Island handed the Maple Leafs only their 4th dual loss of the season as they slipped by GHS (12-4) 34-33 on Tuesday December 16 at RIHS. Pinfall winners for the Leafs were Grady Hull (132/5:29), Malaki Jackson (144/4:34), Josh Hock (150/0:33), Zachary Montez (157/1:52) & Kye Weinzierl (165/2:12). Izaac Gaines (138) also picked up a 7-1 decision for the Leafs.

Also competing for GHS were TJ Kennedy, Tim Sebastian, Kie Smith, Devan Hornback, Wyatt Neumann, Colten Mooney, Logan Palmer, & Brayden Franzen. Next Up: Western Big 6 Championship on Friday January 26th at Wharton Field House in Moline. The Leafs will be looking to win their fourth consecutive WB6 Championship! GHS won in 2020, 2022, & 2023. No tournament was held in 2021.

Landen Pruett Wins Individual Regional As Maple Leafs Take 3rd Overall!

Senior Landen Pruett rolled a 1,308 to win the Regional Individual Championship at Potter’s Alley in Morton! The Leafs 3rd place finish sends them off to the Sectional this Saturday at Don Carter Lanes in Rockford. Host Morton (5,712) won the team regional followed by Rock Island (5,586) who edged out the Leafs for 2nd place. Good Luck Leafs!!

Landen Pruett - 1,308 (187, 235, 216, 226, 233, 211)
Karson Banister - 1,127 (175, 163, 189, 248, 199, 153)
Carter VanOpdorp - 1,084 (208, 189, 167, 184, 168, 168)
Bryce Sanders 1,084 - (178, 147, 187, 208, 186, 178)
Quinnland Einfeldt - 638* (170, 175, 153, 0, 0, 140)
Van Hernandez - 322* (0, 0, 0, 165, 157, 0)
*Einfeldt bowled games 1,2,3, & 6 while Hernandez bowled 4 & 5

Basketball Results & Upcoming Schedule

Maple Leafs
GHS (1-15, 0-6 WB6) fell at Sterling 76-41 on Thursday January 11th in a game that was moved up a day due to the incoming snow storm. The Galesburg game that was originally scheduled for Tuesday January 9th and then rescheduled for Monday January 15th has been postponed a second time. That game will now take place on Monday January 29th (7:00pm). The Leafs are currently scheduled to travel to Quincy on Friday December 19th (7:00pm).

Lady Leafs
Moline handed GHS (6-12, 1-7 WB6) a tough 48-43 loss on Thursday January 11th at Wharton Field House. The Freeport MLK Tournament that the Lady Leafs were scheduled to participate in on Saturday January 13th was cancelled. GHS is scheduled to host Quincy on Thursday January 18th (7:00pm) followed by a trip back to Wharton on Saturday January 20th (4:00pm) where they will take on Loyola Academy in the Chicago/QC Downstate Shootout.