COAL CITY  — For the first time since 2006, the Joliet Catholic Academy girls basketball team has won a regional championship. Led by 19 points from freshman Nicole Ekhomu and 18 from junior Jasmine Lumpkin, the Angels jumped out to a substantial lead and then cruised to a 51-39 victory over the hosting Coalers for the right to cut down the nets.

"There is no doubt that they had the edge in athleticism and it showed early on," Coal City coach Brad Schmitt said. "They are on a little different level than we are. Still, the girls grinded it out the best they could and that's all I can ask."

JCA (24-4) forced two Coal City turnover in each of its first two possessions and then Lumpkin blocked the next shot by the locals. Two more turnovers ensued before the Coalers actually put up a shot that missed. It wasn't until the 4:36 mark of the opening frame that Coal City scored.