The Eastland Cougars faced the Pecatonica Indians in Friday’s Class 1A Orion Sectional final at Orion High School on March 6, 2026. Eastland won the game 48-41.

Eastland's defense held tough and made key plays in a 48-41 win over Pecatonica to win the Class 1A Orion Sectional title and get back to the Elite Eight. 'We’re playing some of our best, grittiest basketball at the right time.'

Oregon junior wrestler Nelson Benesh is the Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week, presented by Loescher Heating and Air Conditioning. He was the Class 1A Byron Sectional champion at 138 pounds and finished fifth at state.

Eastland used a strong start, tough defense and an explosive finish to defeat Dakota 49-31 on Wednesday night. The Cougars advanced to face Pecatonica in Friday's Class 1A Orion Sectional final at 7 p.m. for the third straight year.

Eastland faces off against Dakota in Orion Class 1A sectional semifinal Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Eastland took the win 49-31 and will play Pecatonica on Friday.

Newman battled a physical Pecatonica into overtime on Tuesday night, but the Indians came back to win 70-66 in the Class 1A Orion Sectional semifinals as Zion Braimah scored 34 points. Newman finished with a program-high 33 wins.

Newman meets Pecatonica Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in the Orion Class 1A sectional semi. Newman fell 70-66 in overtime.

Sterling junior Jossy James was named All-Western Big 6 Conference first-team after tying for the league lead with 19 points per game. Nia Harris and Jae James were also named honorable mention.

Oregon never trailed in a 65-52 win over Mendota in the Class 2A Rock Falls Regional final Friday at Tabor Gym to win its first regional title since 2006.