EP got the #5 seed on their side of the Mendota Sectional. In addition to the long trip, the Panthers will also play the host school on their home court. EP will no doubt see some familiar faces on the opposing team as it was the Eagles that ended the Panthers’ football season in the opening round of the football playoffs last fall.
The Eagles sport an 18-7 record with one regular season game left to play as the Panthers stand at 13-10 with their season finale to be played on Tuesday at Byron.
The regional game will be played on Wednesday, February 25th at 7:30. The winner will likely get the #2 seed Byron Tigers who will play the winner of #7 Sandwich and #10 Stillman Valley prior to the EP game.
The Panthers were sent to Aurora instead of the nearby Rock Falls Regional. Panther head coach Ryan Wickler, while not happy with the decision says it is the nature of the beast. “So, I guess IHSA decided that they did not want the number 1,4,5 and 6 seeds in the same regional. Rocks Falls got the sixth seed, so they are making us go to Aurora even though we should be staying in Rock Falls to play #4 seed Oregon again. Our guys put together such a great season to earn that opportunity but because of circumstances, we kind of get punished and sent to a regional over an hour and a half away instead of 20 minutes away.”
