MACKINAW – Deer Creek-Mackinaw’s girls’ basketball team is in the midst of its golden era.
Over three and a half decades passed from the Chiefs’ regional title in 1987 to their next one in 2023, but a revitalization has occurred.
Dee-Mack’s recent success is more of a reflection on the entire program but it’s been an increasingly special time for two people at the center of it, head coach Joni Nightingale and the school’s all-time leading scorer Dalia DeJesus.
Over the last two weeks, Nightingale won her 100th game at the high school level, DeJesus has gone on an unprecedented tear and the Chiefs are the No. 1 seed in the Heart of Illinois Conference Tournament for the first time ever.
“It feels special to be doing it with this squad, but the philosophy is a win’s a win,” Nightingale said following her 100th win, a 59-32 win over Fieldcrest on Jan. 16. “I'm blessed to be with a competitive squad and I'm just a piece of the puzzle.”