Sophomore forward Christian Meeks (#0) drives through traffic for a layup as defenders close in. Meeks scored nine points, supporting the Chiefs with their final score of 87-58.

By: Johnny Crouch, Sports & Activities Executive

The Waubonsee Chiefs men’s basketball team is one step closer to its ultimate goal of winning the Division II NJCAA national championship. With a commanding 87-58 victory over the College of Lake County Lancers on Thursday, Feb. 27, the No. 1 seed Chiefs secured their spot in the Region Four semifinals, where they will face the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) Stormers at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Mar. 2, at Rock Valley College.

From the opening tip, defense set the tone for Waubonsee. The Chiefs forced 28 turnovers and locked down the Lancers’ top two scorers, Forward Marcus Antoine and Guard Jayden Hall.

Antoine, who erupted for 33 points in their previous matchup, was held to 19 as Waubonsee’s defenders collapsed on him every time he touched the ball. Meanwhile, Hall, who had 22 points and five threes in the last game, was held in check, scoring just two points with zero three-pointers.

“We wanted to make it as hard as possible for them,” said sophomore forward Pat Robinson, who had 14 points, six rebounds and three steals while also taking on the challenge of guarding Antoine. “Last time, their big guys got a lot of easy buckets, so we focused on denying their catches and making them finish over us, not around us.”

The first few minutes of the game were a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Robinson opened the scoring for Waubonsee with a smooth mid-range fadeaway, and shortly after, sophomore guards Aboubacar “Booka” Sidibe and Zachariah Hayslett drained back-to-back threes to spark a 10-4 lead.

A fast break layup by sophomore guard Tylon Toliver, created by a steal from sophomore forward Christian Meeks, pushed the lead further. By halftime, Waubonsee led 45-30, fueled by 11 fast-break points and a stifling defensive effort.

“Our defense was an A-plus tonight,” said head coach Lance Robinson. “We held them to 33% shooting and forced 28 turnovers. That’s exactly what we wanted going into the tournament.”

Sidibe echoed his coach’s thoughts, emphasizing the team’s defensive focus.

“Defense was the key to everything tonight. We knew if we could pressure them and force turnovers, it would lead to easy buckets on the other end,” Sidibe said. “We wanted to play aggressive and make them uncomfortable the entire game.”

While the defense was dominant, the Chiefs had moments where their offense struggled to find consistency.

“We didn’t have our best offensive game, but we found ways to get stops and turn them into points,” said Coach Robinson. “In the playoffs, every possession matters, so even when shots aren’t falling, we have to keep playing hard.”

Sidibe, the 6-foot-1 point guard, played a key role in keeping the offense moving, finishing with 14 points, five assists, five rebounds, two steals and a block.

“I just try my best every time I go out there, do what I can for the team,” Sidibe said. “It’s the playoffs, so we have to turn up the defense level and execute on offense.”

Waubonsee wasted no time putting the game out of reach for the Lancers in the second half. The Chiefs reeled off six quick points, extending their lead to 21 within the first minute. Robinson, who struggled from the three-point line early, found his rhythm in the second half, hitting two clutch threes to help put the game away.

“My teammates really helped me,” Robinson said. “Even when I wasn’t hitting, they were ready to give me the ball for my next shot with no hesitation, and when I finally made them, they were all hyped.”

Waubonsee maintained its aggressive pace, stretching the lead to 37 points before turning to its bench with four minutes remaining. With the game in hand, the Chiefs gave their reserves valuable minutes while keeping key players fresh for Sunday’s matchup.

The Chiefs will now face MATC, a program that has dominated Region Four in recent years, winning five straight regional titles. Waubonsee defeated MATC earlier this season, but that matchup was played without two key Stormers due to injury. With both players back in the lineup, Sunday’s game is expected to be a much tougher challenge.

“We can’t let that last game linger in our heads,” Sidibe said. “We have to lock in and play our game.”

Coach Robinson echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the need to clean up turnovers and execute for a full 40 minutes.

“They’ve been as good as anyone in the region over the last five years,” he said. “We know what we’re up against, and it’s going to take everything we have.”

Waubonsee, now 28-3, is one win away from the regional championship game. A victory on Sunday would put them one step closer to the NJCAA National Tournament in Indiana, a stage the team has had in its sights all season.

For the Chiefs, the message is clear: The job isn’t finished.

Freshman guard James Parker (#22) comes off a screen as he looks to attack on offense. The Chiefs controlled the pace throughout the game, securing a key regional playoff win.