The Paw Print

By Maren Theyssen, Staff Writer

Second semester started off with plenty of success from Payton athletes. A sectional championship was brought home, and other teams finished off their regular seasons and entered the playoffs. 

Cheer finished up their season at the sectional championship, where they produced their highest score of the year, though it was not enough to get through to state. Congratulations to seniors Jayne Reyes and Sarah Lee. Dance competes in their final competition of the season, the city championship, on Feb. 8. 

Chess took their fourth sectional championship in a row, where they defeated Evanston in a complete rout. Over the course of the tournament, not one player on the varsity team took a loss, showing the dominance of the Grizzlies on the boards. They compete in the state championship in Peoria, Ill., from Feb. 13 to Feb. 18. 

Girls basketball took a major win against Senn on senior night. Congratulations to seniors Sou Lynn Beneteau and Sariyah Thomas. They competed in the city playoffs and unfortunately lost after playing one of the best teams in the conference, but they will later play in the state tournament in February. 

Boys basketball kicked January off with a series of wins. They started off 3-0, taking down Northside, North Lawndale and Brooks. Then, the Grizzlies defeated Thornton Fractional North, with junior Patrick Irvin Jr. putting up 23 points, 17 rebounds and four blocks. Later in the month, they defeated Marshall in a close thriller. They play in the city playoffs in February. Irvin Jr. and the Grizzlies remain a formidable opponent in the conference. 

Boys bowling finished off their season after finishing in the top third of teams at sectionals, but unfortunately, they were just short of making it to the state finals. The team had a very successful season and had a lot to show for the year. Girls bowling competes in the city championship on Feb. 1, looking to finish their season with a huge win and a trophy to bring home. 

Boys swim is ranked in the top 25 in the state, at 19th. They are 25-3 in their meets during the season, taking wins against teams like Ignatius. They placed second in the Downers Grove invite, showing their resilience and ability to stay at the top of their level. 

Wrestling continues their inaugural season, showing great success and improvement in the brand new sport to Payton. They defeated Morgan Park and Clark, and they look forward to their future tournaments and duels. 

Boys and girls track and field started their seasons. The boys had their first meet at the Misfits invite, where senior Preston Ellis broke the school 600m record, showcasing an incredible start to the season as they prepare for the rest of the year.