Both the seventh and eighth grade girls basketball teams from James Hart Middle School advanced to the state finals bracket in early December.

The eighth grade Panthers finished 16-10, advancing to the third-place game in Class 4A. They beat Phoenix Coolidge and Harvey Brooks, then won 34-29 over Markham Prairie-Hills in the regional championship. 

Downers Grove Herrick was the opponent in the state qualifier, and Hart won 17-14. The Panthers beat Barrington Prairie 28-18 in the first round of the state bracket, with Gavynn Hall scoring 13 points. Hart lost 34-14  to New Lenox Liberty in the semifinal.

The third-place game on Dec. 18 at Normal Parkside Junior High was close for most of the contest. University Park Crete Monee eventually pulled away to win 26-17. 

Kylee Evans, Taja White and Alonna Laxton each scored four points in that game.

The seventh-grade team had a bye in the regional opener before it topped Lansing Memorial 42-14 and then Markham Prairie-Hills 28-12 to win that trophy. In the sectional, the Panthers also beat Downers Grove Herrick 36-14 to advance to the state finals. 

Hart drew a tough assignment in the state finals opener. Arlington Heights South was undefeated coming into the game.

The Panthers led 15-14 at halftime, but South outscored them 16-1 in the third quarter. Hart eventually lost 37-18. My’Kel Leigh led the Panthers with 11 points, including a pair of 3-pointers. Taja White scored six. 

The seventh graders finished the season 16-7.