CONGRATS-DEER CREEK-MACKINAW

104th Regular Session Introduced by Bill Hauter

Illinois House honors Deer Creek-Mackinaw Lady Chiefs for winning the IHSA Class 1A state basketball title, commemorating athletic excellence and school pride.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of HR 896 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and intent

The bill is a House Resolution congratulating the Deer Creek-Mackinaw High School girls’ basketball team, known as the Lady Chiefs, on winning the IHSA Class 1A State Championship for the 2025-26 season.

It formalizes recognition from the Illinois House of Representatives and commends the team, coaching staff, and supporters for their achievements.

Key provisions and changes

Declares that the Deer Creek-Mackinaw Lady Chiefs won the IHSA Class 1A State Championship, defeating Mount Pulaski High School 49-34 on March 7, 2026, at CEFCU Arena, Illinois State University, Normal.

Highlights the team’s path to the title, including:

Sectional victory over Heyworth High School (48-23)
Supersectional win over Wethersfield High School (Kewanee) (45-43)
Semifinal victory against Rockford Christian High School (48-35)

Notes season milestones:

First-ever appearance in the state tournament
Ranked number one in the state for much of the season
School record for most wins in a season (34) and highest winning percentage (92%)

Recognizes individual achievements:

Senior Dalia DeJesus: 16 points and 13 rebounds in the state final; finished the season as the school’s all-time leading scorer (2,522 points) and rebounder (1,376 rebounds)

Acknowledges leadership and staffing:

Head Coach: Joni Nightingale
Assistant Coaches: Todd Brownlee, Terrance Durbin, Rylee Tompkins

Lists the roster, including freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors (Amelia Dunbar, Rudy Gilbert, Kenlea Brown, Ellie Weir, Anna Schmidgall, Riley Durbin, Kate Schmidgall, Jaelyn Nunley, Dalia DeJesus, among others).

Affected parties

Deer Creek-Mackinaw High School girls’ basketball program (players, coaches, and staff)

School community and supporters that follow IHSA sports

The Illinois General Assembly as the body issuing formal commendation

Procedural and timeline details

Type of measure: Non-binding ceremonial resolution (no direct legal or fiscal impact)

Action history: Filed with the Clerk on May 12, 2026, by Representative William E. Hauter; co-sponsored by Rep. Hauter

Presentation: The resolution directs that suitable copies be presented to the team and coaches as a symbol of respect and esteem

Practical takeaway

HR 896 serves as an official, symbolic acknowledgement by the Illinois House of Representatives of the Deer Creek-Mackinaw Lady Chiefs’ historic state championship season, celebrating athletic excellence and school pride. It does not enact policy, authorize spending, or create regulatory changes.