Hampshire facing difficult challenge

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Recent history says Hampshire has little chance against Winnebago in Friday's North Boone Class 2A Regional championship game.

The fourth-seeded Whip-Purs (13-12) lost twice to the second-seeded Indians (23-2) during the regular season by a combined 36 points. Winnebago, ranked eighth in the final state poll, defeated visiting Hampshire 83-60 just 10 days ago.

The Whips have dropped 11 consecutive games to the Indians -- perennially one of the top small-school programs in the state under coach Joe Murphy. Hampshire coach Bob Barnett is 0-9 vs. Winnebago in his sixth season with the Whips.

They'll try to end that hex in tonight's 7:30 championship game in Poplar Grove.

"I don't think it's a monumental challenge," Barnett said. "It should be interesting. I don't think Winnebago will overlook us. I mean, this is a regional championship and they've been here before."

Winnebago is led by 6-foot-3 senior guard Heath Hoffman, who averages 20 points per game. Senior center Jake Spencer (6-8) and sophomore forward Chas Cross (6-5) can cause problems as well. Hampshire has allowed far too many offensive rebounds by opponents for Barnett's taste.

"That has really hurt us," he said.

Hampshire relies on senior forward T.J. Burzak, who averages 17 points and about seven rebounds per game. Juniors Evan Brenner, Will Bush, James Goebbert and Mike Kozenczak and sophomore Justin Bieber also contribute.

Hampshire has won four regional titles in school history, but just one since 1974. Barnett guided the Whips to a regional crown in 2005 before Winnebago bounced them in sectional action.

The North Boone Regional winner advances to the Byron Sectional where the Forreston Regional champion will await. Byron faces Forreston in that matchup.

Aurora Christian Class 2A Regional -- Top-seeded Genoa-Kingston (21-6) will have to defeat the third-seeded Eagles (16-10) on their court to advance to the Somonauk Sectional.

G-K throttled St. Edward 48-38 in Wednesday's semifinal to arrive in tonight's 7:30 title tilt.

Aurora Christian edged Stillman Valley 56-54 on Joe Redmond's 12-foot jumper with 3 seconds left. AC had blown a 20-point lead in the second half. Redmond tallied 17 points for the host team.

G-K, seeking its third regional title in school history, counts on sophomore Scott Suchy (16 ppg), senior Jimmy Lopez (13 ppg) and junior Trevor Muench (10 ppg).

The Aurora Christian Regional champ advances to the Byron Sectional to face either Morrison or West Carroll, who meet in the Fulton Regional final.

Westminster Christian Class 1A Regional -- The host Warriors (19-8) own the top seed and are in search of the program's first postseason championship.

Coach Bruce Firchau's Westminster team meets third-seeded Mooseheart (14-6) at 7:30 tonight. The Warriors downed the Ramblers 49-45 on Feb. 8 in Elgin.

Firchau was displeased after a 55-25 win over Chicagoland Jewish on Wednesday night in semifinal action. The Warriors look to four-year varsity members Joel Benson (18 ppg) and Tyler Beachler (14 ppg) to carry the scoring load.

"We know about Mooseheart. We have a great deal of respect for Mooseheart," Firchau said. "They played us well on our home floor a few weeks ago. They're a good ballclub."

The Westminster Regional winner moves on to the Somonauk Sectional to battle the winner of the Immaculate Conception Regional.