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HF edged Lincoln-Way East for sectional title

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Homewood-Flossmoor’s in the closing seconds on Thursday night Jaeda Murphy He was being chased out of the backfield by Lincoln-Way East. And the senior guard was smiling.

Not a grin, but a real-life, ear-to-ear grin.

There was no way he was going to play in his last high school basketball game. Please.

“I’m just having fun with the game,” Murphy said afterward, still smiling as the celebration began. “When the scout team and the boys are defending us at training, I do the same thing.”

The 6-foot-10 Murphy did the same, leading all scorers with 22 points as the Vikings beat the Griffins 47-36 in the Class 4A Joliet West Regional championship game.

sophomore guard Jenesis Moore HF (23-7), who will play against Nazareth (30-3), who beat Kenwood 50-37 in the Hinsdale Central Supersectional on Monday at 19:00, entered the game with 10 points from the bench. sophomore guard Aunyai Deere Nine points were added to the Vikings.

It was a tight end for Lincoln-Way East (28-6), reaching six points on a 10-0 final run. Illinois staff Hayven SmithThe senior center led the Griffins with 14 points and four rebounds.

Later, Murphy and his teammates take photos with fans – Murphy holding the regional championship plaque – HF coach Tony Smith He praised the player he has become.

“He’s the heartbeat for us, man,” Smith said of Murphy. “He vents, protects the quarterback, makes decisions. We love it. He’s grown so much.

“He may be a little short, but he has all the heart.”

Lincoln-Way East’s Hayven Smith (42) blocks a shot by Homewood-Flossmoor Jemiyah McDonald in the Class 4A Joliet West Regional championship game on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson/Daily Southtown)

It’s also difficult to beat an opponent three times in a season, but the Vikings did it on Thursday. They beat the Griffins 49-42 on December 5 and 56-47 on January 23.

Murphy talked about how difficult a task it truly is to accomplish and thanked coach Smith for pushing him and his teammates during practice on Wednesday.

In other words, don’t give up because “he knew the East would throw punches,” he said.

This also gives an idea of ​​what practice will likely look like this weekend.

“We play hard, focus on us first and make sure we do the right thing,” he said.

Homewood-Flossmoor's Aunyai Deere (3) tries to stop Lincoln-Way East's Maddie Yacobozzi (13) from entering the lane during the Class 4A Joliet West Regional final on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Joliet.  (Vincent D. Johnson / Southtown Daily)
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Aunyai Deere (3) tries to block Lincoln-Way East’s Maddie Yacobozzi (13) from advancing in the lane during the Class 4A Joliet West Regional championship game on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown) )

senior guard Layla Pierce He said he expects a lot of hard work leading up to Monday, but that’s totally fine for a trip to the state.

“Maybe (Friday) could be a rest, but coach really likes to push us; he wants everything to be game-like,” Pierce said before turning his attention to Murphy.

“Jaeda is a really good leader on this team. He always gives us a piggyback ride, even when things aren’t good for everyone. “We really love having him on the team.”

Moore, who hit a pair of 3-pointers in the second quarter, agreed with Pierce that Murphy is a great mentor. For example, last season he taught them how to control the ball.

It paid dividends on Thursday.

Homewood-Flossmoor's Jaeda Murphy (20) moves toward Lincoln-Way East's Hayven Smith (42) during the Class 4A Joliet West Regional final on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Joliet.  (Vincent D. Johnson/Daily Southtown)
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Jaeda Murphy (20) advances over Lincoln-Way East’s Hayven Smith (42) in the Class 4A Joliet West Regional championship game on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson/Daily Southtown)

“I learned a lot from Jaeda,” Moore said. “And just being a team player.”

Murphy hasn’t made his college choice yet, and he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t at least considering participating in Thursday’s game.

A performance like the one he had against Lincoln-Way East is likely to draw attention.

“You know, I’m always thinking about the next level and making sure I’m prepared,” he said. “I want to get to the next level and play basketball, so I need to be able to show that I can play.”

But no matter what happens on Monday, Murphy will still be smiling, which Smith appreciates.

“It just says he’s calm and collected,” he said. “It just makes you feel empty.”

Gregg Voss is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

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