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Friday, April 19, 2024
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Michael O'Brien

High School Sports Editor
Hinsdale South basketball coach Mike Belcaster looks on during a game against Glenbard South on November 28, 2023.
High School Basketball
Hinsdale South fires basketball coach Michael Belcaster
Controversy swirled around the Hinsdale South basketball program in November when Erin Savage, the mother of basketball player Brendan Savage, sued the school district and several employees after her son was cut from the team following tryouts.
By Michael O’Brien
 
Homewood-Flossmoor's Bryce Heard (2) cradles the the Vikings' IHSA Class 4A state championship trophy.
No Shot Clock
No Shot Clock high school basketball podcast, Ep. 172: Breaking down the 2024 IHSA basketball state finals
Mike and Joe break down the state championship games, discuss the format, the crowds and take a look ahead at next season.
By Michael O’Brien
 
Homewood-Flossmoor's Bryce Heard (2) controls the ball during the Vikings' IHSA Class 4A state championship victory against Normal.
Super 25 Basketball Rankings
Michael O'Brien's final Super 25 high school basketball rankings for the 2023-24 season
Homewood-Flossmoor finishes on top and DePaul Prep earns the No. 2 ranking ahead of Curie.
By Michael O’Brien
 
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High School Basketball
IHSA boys basketball state finals schedule and scores
All the results from this weekend in Champaign.
By Michael O’Brien
 
Homewood-Flossmoor players Mac Hagemaster, L-R, Gianni Cobb, Carson Brownfield, and Bryce Heard hold the IHSA Class 4A state championship trophy.
High School Basketball
The wait is over: Homewood-Flossmoor wins Class 4A state championship
Everything came together beautifully for the Vikings in a 60-48 victory against Normal.
By Michael O’Brien
 
DePaul Prep's Makai Kvamme (13) reacts after hitting a three against Mount Carmel in the IHSA Class 3A state championship game at State Farm Center.
High School Basketball
Makai Kvamme smoothly orchestrates DePaul Prep's Class 3A state championship win against Mount Carmel
DePaul Prep started hot and then clamped down defensively to win a second consecutive state title. The Rams won Class 2A last season.
By Michael O’Brien
 
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High School Basketball
EJ Horton's soaring athleticism, Elijah Harris' defense lead Phillips to first state title since 1975
Horton’s slam with 4:51 to play was the signature moment of the first nine games of the state finals.
By Michael O’Brien
 
West Central's Chance Little (24) reacts during the IHSA Class 1A state championship game against Meridian at State Farm Center.
High School Basketball
West Central dominates Mounds Meridian to win its first state title
Senior Zack Evans, who had a low-scoring semifinal, led with 27 points and eight rebounds.
By Michael O’Brien
 
Palatine's Connor May (21) is guarded by Normal's Dexter Niekamp (22) as he tries to pass the ball.
High School Basketball
Palatine's Cinderella playoff run ends in Class 4A semis against Normal
Palatine coach Eric Millstone summed up the difference between his team and Normal: “There weren’t any adjustments we could make other than grow taller.’'
By Michael O’Brien