The Scholastic Bowl Coalers won the Regionals tournament on Wednesday defeating Saratoga of Morris in the first match by a score of 310 to 35. The Coalers had 100 percent accuracy on toss up questions for the match.
The second match of the tournament was a real nailbiter. The Coalers were behind Minooka 235 to 90 at halftime and they were able to dig their way back to tie the score at 260 before the last question. Jaiden Leman scored the winning toss-up on a question about the Gettysburg Address and the team cleaned-up on the bonus questions to win the match 290 to 260 giving much credence to the old saying, "never give up."
The championship round had Coal City facing IVC conference foe Channahon. The Coalers scored on the first four toss-up questions and never looked back, winning the Regional Championship by a score of 315-115.
Coach Jim Hitchcock reports a lot of great teamwork and perseverance was displayed by the Coalers.
Jaiden Leman (130 points for the night) and Xavier Baer (110 points for the night) were on fire scoring a combined 240 toss up points while cool-hand Carson Dearth scored 60, Captain Brady Pierson scored 40, and Abi Rose scored 20.
The team is further comprised of Mel Leman, Ben Manering, Tess Jeschke, Jackson Hollis, Damion Libner, Cameron Haas, Henry Fritz, Kolton Kucera, Tyson Harding, Grace Sitar and Travis Blatzheim.
Coaches Jennifer Munsterman and Jim Hitchcock said they are very proud of all of the great work by all of the players. A great team win.
The Coalers host the Sectional Tournament at Coal City Middle School on Monday, April 29. Play will be in the chorus room and library. Spectators are welcome to come out and support the team as they look to repeat on their success with a trip to the State Tournament.