Week 12: Morton High School Lady Potters
The Chicago Sky has selected Morton High School as the twelfth, and final, “High School Team of the Week” winner for its 2015 competition. The team earned the honor after being nominated for outstanding efforts and achievements on the court and within the local community.
The Morton Potters finished with an overall record of 33-3, winning 20 of their last 21 games to close out the season. Morton shocked Montini High School in the girl’s Class 3A State Semifinals en route to the Finals. The Potters closed their season defeating Rochester High School 47-37 to win the Class 3A State Championship on Saturday night at Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena. With the win, the Morton girl’s basketball became the first Mid-Illini Conference basketball team – boys or girls—to win a state title.
With the tallest player in their starting lineup, standing at 5-foot-10 the Potters relied on hustle, heart and teamwork for their 2015 title run. Individual player accolades included four players voted to the All-Conference team and one All-State honoree. With only two seniors on the roster, the future looks bright for the Morton girl’s basketball program.
Morton High School Principal Marjorie Johnson praised the girls for being champions on and off the court. All 14 players on the team are on the academic honor roll. Additionally, three players were given the Ace Award, which recognizes them for perfect attendance, passing grades in all classes and no disciplinary issues. Nine girls on the team compete in at least two sports. The Potters volunteer their time as peer mentors and serve on the advisory committee to plan student counsel events. Outside of the classroom, team members have volunteered at OSF St. Francis Medical Center as well as local church food pantries and soup kitchens. The girl’s were also active participants in Red Ribbon Week and the blood drive at their school.
Morton High School joins Fremd High School, John Marshall Metropolitan High School, Oswego High School, Luther North College Prep, Glenbard East High School, Beecher High School, J. Sterling Morton High School, Reavis High School, Benet Academy, Lyons Township High School, and Prospect High School as 2015 award recipients. As a Chicago Sky “High School Basketball Team of the Week” award winner, the Morton Potters are invited to enjoy a Chicago Sky game, where they will have the opportunity to watch the world’s best female basketball players. At halftime of the game, the team will be honored at center court.