The Waubonsee Chiefs men’s basketball team poses after winning their 22nd consecutive game. The team defeated the McHenry County College Scots 131-115, breaking a school record that had stood untouched since 1991. Photo courtesy of Britt Crowe.

By: Johnny Crouch, Sports & Activities Executive

On Thursday, Jan. 30, the Waubonsee Chiefs men’s basketball team defeated the McHenry County College Scots 131-115, securing their 22nd consecutive victory and breaking a school record that had stood untouched since 1991. Not only did the Chiefs claim the longest win streak in program history, they also broke three other records: most points in a game: 131, most points in a half: 73, and most combined points in a game by both teams: 246.

This record-breaking night wasn’t just about this season; it was about honoring the teams that came before. The 1990-91 Waubonsee team, which set the original record at 21 consecutive wins, finished seventh in the nation and was the first Chiefs team ever to reach the NJCAA National Tournament.

Waubonsee head basketball coach Lance Robinson made sure his team recognized the history behind their accomplishment.

“Tonight wasn’t really about us,” Robinson said. “It was more about the ‘91 team and bringing attention to how great and special they were. There were some guys from that team here tonight, and Brian [Hoxey] from LaSalle-Peru even talked to our guys after the game. He shared what it meant to wear this uniform and be part of this family.”

Robinson emphasized that while breaking the streak was a milestone, the team’s ultimate goal remains much bigger. The Chiefs aren’t just chasing records; they’re chasing a national championship. 

“In 30 years, we want a future team to break this record,” Robinson said. “And hopefully, that means they’re undefeated national champions because that’s our goal. We want to win the rest of our games and win a national championship.”

Despite facing a McHenry team with a 2-21 record, Waubonsee didn’t cruise to victory as easily as some may have expected.

The game opened with Waubonsee grabbing an early 5-0 lead, but McHenry quickly responded, tying the score at 7-7. The teams traded baskets before the Chiefs’ deep bench began making an impact. Key three-pointers from Tylon Toliver, Malik Petty and Jermaine Theodore helped Waubonsee maintain control, but McHenry continued to fight.

At one point, the Scots trimmed Waubonsee’s lead to 41-38 with just over seven minutes left in the first half. That’s when Christian Meeks took over. The sophomore forward, who led Waubonsee with 24 points and seven rebounds, sparked the team with a powerful transition dunk off the perfect feed from forward Pat Robinson.

“That play was just perfect chemistry between me and Pat,” Meeks said. “I loved the atmosphere tonight. It’s a great feeling to know that, as a team, we’ve played well enough to make people want to come in and watch us.”

Waubonsee closed the half on a dominant run, setting a new program record for most points in a half with 73, to take a 73-56 lead into the break.

The second half saw McHenry make another push, cutting the lead to 89-80 with 13 minutes remaining. But once again, Waubonsee responded. A 12-4 run highlighted by a deep three from Toliver pushed the lead back to 15, and the Chiefs never looked back.

After the game, Robinson jokingly remarked, “I just wanted us to play defense for, you know, about three to five minutes. That was about it.”

He also gave credit to McHenry’s effort and ability to keep the game competitive. “Their record doesn’t show how talented they are. You know, they have guys that can score, and Coach Lettsome does a great job over there.”

Meeks’ dominant performance in the paint was one of the biggest factors in the win. Since returning from injury earlier this season, he has provided Waubonsee with a physical presence inside and a steady scoring option.

“All year, we’ve been putting in work and trusting coach’s plan, and now we’re seeing it come to fruition,” Meeks said. “There’s no reason we can’t be holding up a national championship trophy at the end of the year.”

Off the bench, Malik Petty delivered a spark, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists. His energy and vocal leadership were crucial in keeping the team engaged.

“My presence is definitely felt when I bring energy,” Petty said. “And when I don’t, it has a negative effect on my team. I know I have to bring it every game in order to be the best person I can be for the team.”

Waubonsee also got strong contributions from Zachariah Hayslett (20 points), Tylon Toliver (22 points) and Aboubacar Sidibe (8 assists).

However, the night wasn’t entirely celebratory. Pat Robinson, a key piece of Waubonsee’s success, suffered an ankle injury late in the game.

“We heard some good news; he may only be out for a week or so,” Coach Robinson said postgame. “If he’s out, then we’ve got other guys that will step up and be ready to roll.”

With the record now in the books, Waubonsee turns its attention to the final stretch of the season and the playoffs.

“We’re trying to be somewhere in March,” Petty said. “You know, twenty-two wins in a row is great, but it doesn’t mean anything if we don’t win a national championship.”

Robinson echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the job isn’t finished.

“We set four goals every year. First is having a winning record, second is winning conference, third is winning the regional tournament and the fourth is to win the national championship. So far, we’ve only accomplished one of those,” Robinson said. “I don’t care about our record, or ranking, or anything like that. We just want to get better every day.”

The Chiefs return to action on Feb. 4 against the Oakton College Owls, looking to build on their record-breaking season and continue their push toward NJCAA tournament glory.