Routt Advances to First Sectional Title Game

Routt beats Bunker Hill 67-50 in Nokomis Sectional semifinal

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

The Routt High School boys' basketball team defeated Bunker Hill 67-50 in the semifinals of the Nokomis Sectional on Tuesday night. Routt's Adam Abell scored 26 points to lead his team to victory. Routt will now play for its first-ever sectional championship on Friday.

Why it matters

This win marks a historic moment for the Routt basketball program, as they have never before advanced to a sectional title game. The team's success this postseason has generated excitement in the Jacksonville community and a chance to compete for a spot in the state tournament.

The details

Routt was led by a dominant performance from senior Adam Abell, who scored 26 points to power his team's offense. Routt pulled away in the second half after a close first half, outscoring Bunker Hill 37-24 over the final two quarters.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • Routt will play for the sectional championship on Friday.

The players

Adam Abell

A senior at Routt High School who scored 26 points to lead his team to victory.

Routt High School

A high school basketball team located in Jacksonville, Illinois that has advanced to its first-ever sectional championship game.

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What they’re saying

“We've worked so hard to get to this point, and I'm so proud of my teammates for stepping up tonight. We're not done yet, we want to bring home that sectional title on Friday.”

— Adam Abell, Routt Senior (myjournalcourier.com)

What’s next

Routt will face the winner of the Calhoun/Brown County matchup in the sectional championship game on Friday, March 7, 2026.

The takeaway

Routt's historic run to the sectional finals is a testament to the team's hard work and determination. The community is rallying behind the Rockets as they seek to capture the school's first-ever sectional championship and advance to the state tournament.