The Staunton High School Lady Bulldogs basketball team played their first game in the 2023 State playoff competition on Monday, Feb. 13, when the girls defeated Roxana 32-22.

Roxana 2- 11 - 2 - 7 = 22

Staunton 12 - 5 - 4 - 11 = 32

This win advanced the Lady Bulldogs to the Wood River Regional title game where they would play Alton Marquette. Marquette had advanced to the Regional final by first defeating EA/WR 63-32 and then narrowly eliminating Gillespie, 48-45.

This set the stage for one of the most exciting regional championship games the Staunton fans have ever enjoyed.

The first half was a little tense as the Lady Bulldogs were plagued with turnovers. But both teams had trouble finding the basket and the first quarter ended with Marquette leading 5-4. The halftime score was 16-16.

Lilly Troeckler puts up the shot against the Explorers

At the half, Coach Allen evidently knew and used just the right words of encouragement, and the third quarter saw the Lady Bulldogs return to the floor, more relaxed, more confident and much more successful as they took control and gained a 10-point lead (33-23) after three periods. The final period saw the Staunton girls nail down their 44-31 win and their first ever Regional title in the state competition.

Staunton 4 - 12 -17-11 = 44

Marquette ... 5 - 11 - 7 - 8 = 31

Scoring for Staunton was led by Haris Legendre with 17, Lilly Bandy with 11, Lilly Troeckler 7, Ele Feldman 5, and Grace Bekeske 4.

The Staunton girls were scheduled to take the floor next on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the Pleasant Plains sectional vs. Camp Point Central (co-op). A win on Tuesday would advance the Lady Bulldogs to the Pleasant Plains Sectional Championship game on Thursday, Feb. 23.

Camp Point has reached this game by eliminating Pleasant Plains 36-35 and Petersburg Porta 31-28.