ROCK FALLS – Last year when the Illinois High School Association decided to once again tinker with the school classification system in Illinois, its conclusion was to divide the sports into equal groups among all IHSA members. In boys’ basketball, that meant a bump up to Class 3A for Mendota.

Consequently, the Trojans’ task come postseason tournament time would seemingly become more difficult, because by being the fifth smallest school in 3A, they were almost assured of playing schools with larger enrollments. But instead of feeling sorry for themselves, the Mendota coaching staff and players decided they would just have to play the hand they were dealt.

Now that the postseason is here, the Trojans are coming up aces. Assigned to the six-team Rock Falls Regional, as expected, Mendota was the smallest school in the field. And by being seeded fourth, not many gave the Trojans a chance.