Dee-Mack Girls Basketball has had another incredible season. Both Dalia DeJesus and Jaelyn Nunley have had senior seasons to remember. With many games won, records broken, and a hopeful post season run, the Lady Chiefs are working hard to go as far as they can.
The Lady Chiefs are currently at a 30-3 record and they aren’t done yet! Last week, they claimed their regional and sectional championship titles! The senior leaders, Dalia Dejesus and Jaelyn Nunley both have high expectations for a post season. Jaelyn mentioned that this season is so important for her because “This is my senior year, my last season of basketball ever since I won’t be playing in college. I have spent the last 4 years playing to win for state and we have a really good shot of going this year. It would be incredible to go out in Redbird Arena as state champions!” The Lady Chiefs are ranked #2 in the state, so the odds of making it to ISU’s Redbird Arena for the state tournament are high.
However, with great success comes pressure, and challenges to be great. Jaelyn Nunley beat the school girls record for most three-pointers in a season, and she noted that it was challenging, but so worth it. “I did not go into my senior season thinking I would break it but it was a goal of mine from the start. I had my eyes set on Threes in a Season and Threes in a Game.” As the season progressed and Jaelyn inched closer and closer to beating that record, she felt pressure to break the Threes in a Season record. She noted that she had a few games that she couldn’t get shots to fall, which was a challenge for her to overcome. Jaelyn knew that she was rapidly approaching the record, and it threw her off of her game for a few games. However, the girls basketball team focuses heavily on both physical and mental strength. Because of her mental skillset, Jaelyn was able to overcome the pressure and crush this record! Jaelyn hopes to make the best of the rest of her senior season, soaking up every victory. Because she will not be playing in college, she is looking to end her basketball career on a high note, a state championship!
Dalia DeJesus is one of the top basketball players in Central Illinois, and she’s not done yet! Dalia will be continuing her basketball career at Quincy University. Dalia said, “I chose Quincy for lots of reasons, but the biggest one I, joke, it feels like a bigger version of Dee-Mack. It is a tight knit, but welcoming community, with an incredible support system to ensure I’m performing well not only on the floor, but in the classroom to set me up for success in life.” Dalia is excited to continue her basketball career in college, but she is not done with Dee-Mack basketball. “This season is so special for me not only because it is my last, but also because this has been the most fulfilling chapter of my life. I’m a little scared to move on from this season, but I’m using that as motivation to push further and do anything in my power to go to state with our team. I’ve experienced a lot this season, but playing this season has brought me so much peace and joy and I will forever be grateful”.
Dalia’s basketball career at Dee-Mack has been record breaking, and one that will be remembered for many years to come. She has been an exceptional leader, on and off the court. Dalia mentioned that the most important asset of being a leader is the ability to read her teammates. “Knowing whether your teammates need tough love, a fun time, or guidance when they seem confused, is the greatest strength any leader can have. Being complex enough to understand and adjust to different situations can lead to great success for everyone.” Dee-Mack Basketball has created a legacy for years to come. The 2026 Lady Chiefs Have had a monumental run that will be remembered for all of Dee-Mack history.
After a monumental win against Rockford Christian on Thursday, the Lady Chiefs have gone farther than ever before. Tomorrow, they will play for the State Championship at 10 A.M. at Redbird Arena.
