Aurora Christian's Preston Morel takes leadership baton from NIU-bound QB Asa Johnson

'Give it all I can,' says Morel after 19-point performance in sectional semifinal loss

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Preston Morel, a junior guard for Aurora Christian, scored a game-high 19 points in a 51-47 loss to Johnsburg in the Class 2A Mendota Sectional semifinal. Morel, who has experienced more than most high school basketball players due to the Eagles' recent postseason success, was "flowing" and "ready" for the big game. With senior Asa Johnson, the Northern Illinois quarterback recruit, surprisingly cleared to play after a knee injury, Morel will likely be Aurora Christian's leader next season as the team looks to build on its regional title despite facing more adversity this year.

Why it matters

Morel's performance and leadership role next season will be crucial for Aurora Christian as they look to continue their recent run of postseason success. The team faced more injuries this year than in previous seasons, but still managed to win a regional title, showing their ability to come together and "make it work" despite the adversity.

The details

Morel scored 19 points on 4-of-6 shooting from 3-point range and 5-of-5 shooting from the free-throw line. Senior forward Asa Johnson, who was surprisingly cleared to play after a knee injury, contributed 7 points and 6 rebounds. Johnsburg used a late surge in the fourth quarter to pick up the 51-47 victory.

  • The Class 2A Mendota Sectional semifinal took place on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Preston Morel

A 6-foot-2 junior guard for Aurora Christian who scored a game-high 19 points in the sectional semifinal loss.

Asa Johnson

A senior forward for Aurora Christian and a Northern Illinois quarterback recruit who was surprisingly cleared to play after a knee injury and contributed 7 points and 6 rebounds.

Dan Beebe

The head coach of the Aurora Christian basketball team, who praised Morel's contributions as an "unsung hero" who defends well and scores efficiently.

Josh Kaunas

A player for Johnsburg who led his team with 12 points in the 51-47 victory.

Jacob Baumann

A senior for Aurora Christian who scored 10 points in his final game for the Eagles.

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What they’re saying

“Preston is very much an unsung hero in our program. He goes and defends one of the best players each game. And, oh, then we need you to score on the other end. He's multifaceted. He very quietly gives you 15, 16 points a game. He defends like crazy. Preston is a winner with a capital W.”

— Dan Beebe, Aurora Christian head coach (Chicago Tribune)

“There was no way I was going to miss the game. It hurts, but I wasn't going to miss the game.”

— Asa Johnson, Aurora Christian senior forward (Chicago Tribune)

“I'm still good with them. It's still a big loss. He's a big dude, but I'm definitely staying.”

— Asa Johnson, Aurora Christian senior forward (Chicago Tribune)

“He was a big shot in the arm to get back, that's for sure.”

— Dan Beebe, Aurora Christian head coach (Chicago Tribune)

“I'm going to miss playing with these seniors, man. Freshman year to now, I built strong relationships with them. I hope that my senior year we can do well and make it far again. Probably the best group of guys I've played with.”

— Preston Morel, Aurora Christian junior guard (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

Morel will likely be Aurora Christian's leader next season as the team looks to build on its regional title despite facing more adversity this year.

The takeaway

Morel's performance and leadership role next season will be crucial for Aurora Christian as they look to continue their recent run of postseason success. The team's ability to come together and "make it work" despite facing more injuries this year shows their resilience and potential for the future.