Chicago Sun-Times: All posts by Michael O'Brien2024-03-20T08:23:47.988-05:00https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/michael-obrien/rss2024-03-20T08:23:47.988-05:002024-03-20T20:07:44.431-05:00Hinsdale South fires basketball coach Michael Belcaster
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<img class="Image" alt="Hinsdale South basketball coach Mike Belcaster looks on during a game against Glenbard South on Nov. 28, 2023." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/14442a8/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4085x2293+0+0/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F25243956%2Fob_CST_112923_0001.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/64d6074/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4085x2293+0+0/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F25243956%2Fob_CST_112923_0001.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Hinsdale South has fired boys basketball coach Michael Belcaster.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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<p>Hinsdale South has fired boys basketball coach Michael Belcaster, according to multiple sources. </p><p>Belcaster was placed on administrative leave by the Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Board of Education in January, but then was <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2024/1/23/24048659/hinsdale-south-basketball-michael-belcaster" >reinstated</a> after most of the team’s players and many parents spoke out on his behalf.</p><p>The school district has year-to-year contracts with all of its coaches.</p><p>“Thank you for reaching out,” Belcaster said via text Wednesday morning. “Unfortunately, I’m not at liberty to speak on this at this time. I will reach out when able.”</p><p>Controversy swirled around the basketball program in November when Erin Savage, the mother of basketball player Brendan Savage, <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/11/27/23978493/hinsdale-south-basketball-lawsuit-brendan-savage" target="_blank" >sued the school district and several employees</a> after her son was cut from the team following tryouts.</p><p>According to Steven Glink, the Savage family's lawyer, the lawsuit is still pending and there is a settlement conference on Wednesday. </p><p>"I think [firing Belcaster] is the right move," Erin Savage said. "It should have happened a long time ago. There is no reason that Brendan was cut from the team. It still bothers me that people said he had a bad attitude and that is why he was cut. We asked [Belcaster] point blank if Brendan said something during tryouts and he said it was nothing like that.</p><p>"I don’t know what Belcaster told the team. But he has told people Brendan had a bad attitude and that just is not true."</p><p>Jason Jaffrey, a Hinsdale South parent, has two sons who were hoping to play for Belcaster next season. </p><p>"These players would run through a brick wall for [Belcaster]," Jaffrey said. "He cares about these kids. The way this whole thing was handled was really unfortunate. It is setting this program back several years."</p><p>The lawsuit was filed Nov. 22 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. It alleged that Belcaster cut Savage after tryouts in retaliation for the family filing a complaint with the school district alleging verbal abuse and bullying against the previous coach, Michael Moretti.</p><p>Belcaster was the sophomore coach under Moretti during the 2022-23 season.</p><p>“I’ve never filed a lawsuit before,” Erin Savage told the Sun-Times in November. “Our six kids have been involved in approximately 31 varsity sports at the high school. I’ve never complained about a coach. But we’ve also never encountered [someone] who thinks he can do whatever he wants. That was [Moretti].”</p><p>Several days after the lawsuit, the school board held a special meeting and <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/11/27/23978493/hinsdale-south-basketball-lawsuit-brendan-savage" target="_blank" >put Savage on the varsity basketball team</a>. The school district has never released a statement on the matter. Back in November, a school district spokesperson said the district doesn’t comment on legal matters. </p><p>On Wednesday, Hinsdale District 86 Admin Chief of Staff Debra Kedrowski said in a statement that "The District is unable to discuss Mr. Belcaster’s employment at this time."</p><p>Brendan Savage eventually worked his way into the team's starting lineup. Hinsdale South finished 15-17 overall and 8-4 in the West Suburban Gold conference. The Hornets won one Class 3A state playoff game before losing to De La Salle in the regional finals.</p><div class="RelatedList Enhancement" data-module data-align-center>
<div class="RelatedList-title">Related</div>
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<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2024/1/23/24048053/hinsdale-south-basketball-michael-belcaster-brendan-savage" >Hinsdale South basketball coach Michael Belcaster could be facing administrative leave</a>
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<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/12/1/23984966/hinsdale-south-brendan-savage" >Brendan Savage, whose mom sued to get him back on basketball team, plays for Hinsdale South</a>
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<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/11/28/23980535/hinsdale-south-brendan-savage-mom-sues-high-school-basketball" >Brendan Savage watches Hinsdale South win home opener, hopes to play Friday</a>
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https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/20/hinsdale-south-michael-belcaster-brendan-savage-basketball-firedMichael O'Brien2024-03-13T11:22:19.657-05:002024-03-13T11:22:19.657-05:00No Shot Clock high school basketball podcast, Ep. 172: Breaking down the 2024 IHSA basketball state finals
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<img class="Image" alt="Homewood-Flossmoor's Bryce Heard (2) cradles the the Vikings' IHSA Class 4A state championship trophy." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9eae567/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4937x2771+0+0/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F0b%2F94%2F81fb9a454287b78ee4a4f04dce67%2Fob-cst-031024-4049.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a7d1a22/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4937x2771+0+0/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F0b%2F94%2F81fb9a454287b78ee4a4f04dce67%2Fob-cst-031024-4049.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Homewood-Flossmoor’s Bryce Heard (2) cradles the the Vikings’ IHSA Class 4A state championship trophy.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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<p>Joe Henricksen and Michael O’Brien’s weekly look at Illinois high school basketball.</p><p>This week's episode is a look back at all the action in Champaign this weekend. Mike and Joe break down the state championship games, discuss the format, the crowds and take a look ahead at next season.</p><p><b>The podcast is on </b><a class="Link" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-shot-clock/id947571011" target="_blank" ><b>Apple Podcasts</b></a><b> and </b><a class="Link" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2pmeJqzZusnzjQy7lXfP3m?si=ILyseKvYTxqjcoYRo3tMuA" target="_blank" ><b>Spotify</b></a>, <b>so please subscribe.</b></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center>
<div class="HtmlModule"><a class="AnchorLink" id="html-embed-module-c10000" name="html-embed-module-c10000"></a><iframe title="No Shot Clock, Ep. 172: Breaking down the 2024 IHSA basketball state finals" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=niatr-15ab9e6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" loading="lazy"></iframe>
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https://chicago.suntimes.com/no-shot-clock/2024/03/13/no-shot-clock-high-school-basketball-podcast-ep-172-breaking-down-the-2024-ihsa-basketball-state-finalsMichael O'Brien2024-03-10T13:34:27.766-05:002024-03-11T07:54:35.035-05:00Michael O'Brien's final Super 25 high school basketball rankings for the 2023-24 season
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<img class="Image" alt="Homewood-Flossmoor's Bryce Heard (2) controls the ball during the Vikings' IHSA Class 4A state championship victory against Normal." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e4af1c1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3872x2173+0+0/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ff6%2Fc1%2F7567fa8c40ddb5387a64ee95dca8%2Fob-cst-031024-4045.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dbd8792/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3872x2173+0+0/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Ff6%2Fc1%2F7567fa8c40ddb5387a64ee95dca8%2Fob-cst-031024-4045.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Homewood-Flossmoor’s Bryce Heard (2) controls the ball during the Vikings’ IHSA Class 4A state championship victory against Normal.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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<p>The final rankings take care of themselves for the most part. Success in the playoffs is the top factor, followed by regular-season victories. Winning conference or a holiday tournament definitely helps, and head-to-head results are usually the tiebreaker.</p><p>The toughest decision for me was on the No. 2 spot. Curie or <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/09/depaul-prep-basketball-ihsa-state-finals-championship-mount-carmel" >DePaul Prep</a>? The Rams obviously impressed in Champaign this weekend, but Class 3A was watered down overall. DePaul Prep reached the state-championship game without defeating a top-tier Chicago area team.</p><p>Curie lost to <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/09/homewood-flossmoor-ihsa-state-finals-championship-basketball-normal" >Homewood-Flossmoor</a> by two points and was in control for most of the supersectional, and the Condors had a better regular season overall than DePaul Prep. Except for one tiny blemish: Curie’s loss to Lindblom.</p><p>DePaul Prep never had a letdown, so it gets the No. 2 spot over Curie.</p><h3>Final Super 25 rankings for the 2023-24 season</h3><p><i>With record and preseason ranking</i></p><p>1. Homewood-Flossmoor (33-4) 4<br>2. DePaul Prep (35-2) 13<br>3. Curie (31-3) 7<br>4. Mount Carmel (32-6) 5<br>5. New Trier (30-8) 18<br>6. Thornton (29-5) 2<br>7. Palatine (28-10) NR<br>8. Warren (31-5) NR<br>9. Downers Grove North (31-5) 3<br>10. Bolingbrook (27-5) 15<br>11. Brother Rice (31-4) 12<br>12. Bloom (19-10) 11<br>13. Benet (27-7) 14<br>14. Marist (29-5) 8<br>15. Kenwood (24-8) 1<br>16. Joliet West (21-10) 22<br>17. Rich (23-8) NR<br>18. De La Salle (23-12) 16<br>19. Loyola (27-7) NR<br>20. Glenbrook North (25-8) 24<br>21. Kankakee (27-5) NR<br>22. Waubonsie Valley (27-3) NR<br>23. Simeon (17-14) 9<br>24. Neuqua Valley (23-10) NR<br>25. Phillips (25-9) NR</p><div class="RichTextSidebarModule Enhancement" data-module data-align-center><a class="AnchorLink" id="module-510000" name="module-510000"></a>
<div class="RichTextModule-items RichTextBody"><h3>2024 IHSA boys basketball finals recaps</h3><bsp-list-loadmore class="PageListN" data-module data-hide-authors="true" data-hide-categories="true" data-hide-dates="true" data-hide-descriptions="true"
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<div class="PagePromo-media"><a class="Link" aria-label="The wait is over: Homewood-Flossmoor wins Class 4A state championship" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/09/homewood-flossmoor-ihsa-state-finals-championship-basketball-normal" ><picture data-crop="small">
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<img class="Image" alt="Homewood-Flossmoor players Mac Hagemaster, L-R, Gianni Cobb, Carson Brownfield, and Bryce Heard hold the IHSA Class 4A state championship trophy." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c420b27/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5184x2955+0+0/resize/100x57!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F45%2F6d%2F224e9b8f4ed08f279ca37720e0e6%2Fob-cst-031024-4011.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/013d1b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5184x2955+0+0/resize/200x114!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F45%2F6d%2F224e9b8f4ed08f279ca37720e0e6%2Fob-cst-031024-4011.jpg 2x" width="100" height="57"
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<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/09/homewood-flossmoor-ihsa-state-finals-championship-basketball-normal" >The wait is over: Homewood-Flossmoor wins Class 4A state championship</a>
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<div class="PagePromo-byline">
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<span>By </span><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/michael-obrien" >Michael O’Brien</a>
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<img class="Image" alt="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. " srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/56865ee/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3162x1802+0+0/resize/100x57!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F11%2F4e%2Fdaf244f747219f2d227a029a87e9%2Fob-cst-031024-018.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8bd0c94/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3162x1802+0+0/resize/200x114!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F11%2F4e%2Fdaf244f747219f2d227a029a87e9%2Fob-cst-031024-018.jpg 2x" width="100" height="57"
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<div class="PagePromo-byline">
<div class="PagePromo-author">
<span>By </span><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/michael-obrien" >Michael O’Brien</a>
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<div class="PagePromo-media"><a class="Link" aria-label="EJ Horton’s soaring athleticism, Elijah Harris’ defense lead Phillips to first state title since 1975" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/09/phillips-high-school-basketball-ihsa-state-finals-championship-benton" ><picture data-crop="small">
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<div class="PagePromo-byline">
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https://chicago.suntimes.com/super-25-basketball-rankings/2024/03/10/high-school-basketball-rankings-illinois-chicago-super-25-sun-times-michael-obrienMichael O'Brien2024-03-09T21:45:49.313-06:002024-03-11T10:40:54.563-05:002024 IHSA boys basketball state finals schedule and scores
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<img class="Image" alt="Phillips' team and coaches celebrate their state championship" srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bc08b12/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4325x2427+0+84/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F53%2F64%2F96594d8c4677957729ae8d9a1634%2Fob-cst-031024-2012.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4ce3243/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4325x2427+0+84/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F53%2F64%2F96594d8c4677957729ae8d9a1634%2Fob-cst-031024-2012.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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>
</picture>
<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Phillips’ team and coaches celebrate their IHSA class 2A championship victory, March 9, 2024, Champaign, Illinois</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Allen Cunningham/Chicago Sun Times</p></div></div>
</figure>
<p>The 2024 IHSA boys basketball state finals will be held Thursday through Saturday at State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill. View a complete schedule and results for all three days below.</p><h4>Saturday March 9</h4><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center><div class="Enhancement-item">
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</div></div><p><b>Class 4A Final: </b>Homewood-Flossmoor 60, Normal 48</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center><div class="Enhancement-item">
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</div></div><p><b>Class 3A Final: </b>DePaul Prep 49, Mount Carmel 41</p><p></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center><div class="Enhancement-item">
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</div></div><p><b>Class 2A Final: </b>Phillips 54, Benton 47</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center><div class="Enhancement-item">
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</div></div><p><b>Class 1A Final: </b>West Central 62, Meridian 43</p><h4>Friday, March 8</h4><p><b>Class 4A Semifinals</b><br>Normal 58, Palatine 38<br>Homewood-Flossmoor 40, New Trier 35</p><p><b>Class 4A Third Place</b><br>New Trier 53, Palatine 35</p><p><b>Class 3A Semifinals</b><br>Mount Carmel 65, Mt. Zion 49<br>DePaul Prep 52, Peoria Richwoods 41</p><p><b>Class 3A Third Place</b><br>Peoria Richwoods 62, Mt. Zion 50</p><h4>Thursday, March 7</h4><p><b>Class 2A Semifinals</b><br>Phillips 60, Williamsville 56<br>Benton 50, Byron 42</p><p><b>Class 2A Third Place</b><br>Byron 62, Williamsville 48</p><p><b>Class 1A Semifinals</b><br>Meridian 68, Hope Academy 60<br>West Central 70, Aurora Christian 65, 2 OT</p><p><b>Class 1A Third Place</b><br>Hope Academy 44, Aurora Christian 43</p><h4></h4>
https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/07/ihsa-boys-basketball-state-finals-schedule-and-scoresMichael O'Brien2024-03-09T21:37:34.324-06:002024-03-11T07:55:29.616-05:00The wait is over: Homewood-Flossmoor wins Class 4A state championship
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<img class="Image" alt="Homewood-Flossmoor players Mac Hagemaster, L-R, Gianni Cobb, Carson Brownfield, and Bryce Heard hold the IHSA Class 4A state championship trophy." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/edbaa8a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5184x2909+0+0/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F45%2F6d%2F224e9b8f4ed08f279ca37720e0e6%2Fob-cst-031024-4011.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a499fcc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5184x2909+0+0/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F45%2F6d%2F224e9b8f4ed08f279ca37720e0e6%2Fob-cst-031024-4011.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Homewood-Flossmoor players Mac Hagemaster, L-R, Gianni Cobb, Carson Brownfield, and Bryce Heard hold the IHSA Class 4A state championship trophy.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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<p>CHAMPAIGN — Evanston, Aurora, Maywood, Joliet, Dolton, Harvey, Country Club Hills . . . the list of Illinois state basketball champions goes back to 1908, and nearly every hoops-crazed community in the area is represented.</p><p>Some towns only have one title, and some have dynasties. Homewood-Flossmoor had nothing until Saturday. The school opened in 1959, and its best chance at a title came in 2004, when the Julian Wright-led Vikings lost to Shaun Livingston and Peoria Central in the Class AA state championship game.</p><p>Expectations were high immediately this season after Gianni Cobb, Bryce Heard and Mac Hagemaster transferred in from other schools to play for the Vikings. They teamed with senior Carson Brownfield and junior Jayden Tyler to create one of the state’s most talented teams.</p><p>For years, the best players in the H-F district wound up playing for other schools. Just a couple of seasons ago, the top players in the Chicago Public League had all played together in the Vikings United youth basketball program based in Homewood.</p><p>Coach Jamere Dismukes, in his second year at H-F, was tasked with finding a way to mold all the talent together. Many observers thought it would never happen: too many shooters, too many ballhandlers, not enough basketballs.</p><p>In the Class 4A state championship, it all came together beautifully in a 60-48 victory against Normal.</p><p>The Vikings rallied late to knock off then-top-ranked Curie in the UIC Supersectional on Monday. That was impressive, but the wire-to-wire win against the Ironmen was a state-championship statement.</p><p>“Ring-chasing,” Heard said. “Ring-chasing was our motto all year, and we got the job done tonight.”</p><p>H-F (33-4) opened the game with two three-pointers from Tyler. The Vikings took the lead for good on a rebound and basket by Heard with 49 seconds left in the first quarter.</p><p>“My teammates trusted me tonight,” Heard said. “My shot was falling. [Tyler] started off with a couple of good buckets and got us going.”</p><div class="RelatedList Enhancement" data-module data-align-center>
<div class="RelatedList-title">Related</div>
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<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/07/ihsa-boys-basketball-state-finals-schedule-and-scores" >IHSA boys basketball state finals schedule and scores</a>
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<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/08/homewood-flossmoor-new-trier-basketball-ihsa-state-finals" >Gianni Cobb brings magic, Bryce Heard consistency as Homewood-Flossmoor beats New Trier in the Class 4A semis</a>
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<p>The Ironmen had a significant size advantage with 6-10 Jaheem Webber, 6-8 Noah Cleveland, 6-6 Nico Newsome and 6-10 Kobe Walker. H-F was shorter at every position, but Hagemaster, a 6-8 senior, battled valiantly and clogged up Normal’s scoring opportunities in the post.</p><p>“This means everything to us,” Dismukes said. “These kids have now marked themselves in history forever.”</p><p>Heard led the Vikings with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Tyler scored 15, and Brownfield added 12 points.</p><p>“This is a special group,” Dismukes said. “I’ve been saying it all year. I got a lot of flak for saying it, but I believed it all year.”</p><p>Heard, who spent his freshman year at Kenwood, played at Montverde in Florida last season.</p><p>“I’d encourage more players to stay at home,” Heard said. “It’s a great feeling to come back and win state. There’s no other feeling like this.”</p><p>Senior guard Braylon Roman led Normal (32-6) with 18 points, and Cleveland scored 13.</p><p>The Ironmen lost the Class 4A title game in 2015 to Jalen Brunson’s Stevenson team.</p><p>“We proved that Normal Community kids can play for state championships,” Ironmen coach Dave Witzig said. “We were right there, but H-F played a great game.”</p><div class="RichTextSidebarModule Enhancement" data-module data-align-center><a class="AnchorLink" id="module-090000" name="module-090000"></a>
<div class="RichTextModule-items RichTextBody"><h3>2024 IHSA boys basketball finals recaps</h3><bsp-list-loadmore class="PageListN" data-module data-hide-authors="true" data-hide-categories="true" data-hide-dates="true" data-hide-descriptions="true"
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<img class="Image" alt="Homewood-Flossmoor players Mac Hagemaster, L-R, Gianni Cobb, Carson Brownfield, and Bryce Heard hold the IHSA Class 4A state championship trophy." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c420b27/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5184x2955+0+0/resize/100x57!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F45%2F6d%2F224e9b8f4ed08f279ca37720e0e6%2Fob-cst-031024-4011.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/013d1b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5184x2955+0+0/resize/200x114!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F45%2F6d%2F224e9b8f4ed08f279ca37720e0e6%2Fob-cst-031024-4011.jpg 2x" width="100" height="57"
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https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/09/homewood-flossmoor-ihsa-state-finals-championship-basketball-normalMichael O'Brien2024-03-09T19:22:34.829-06:002024-03-11T07:56:14.29-05:00Makai Kvamme smoothly orchestrates DePaul Prep's Class 3A state championship win against Mount Carmel
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<img class="Image" alt="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. " srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/73ebe3c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3162x1775+0+0/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F11%2F4e%2Fdaf244f747219f2d227a029a87e9%2Fob-cst-031024-018.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/290e947/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3162x1775+0+0/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F11%2F4e%2Fdaf244f747219f2d227a029a87e9%2Fob-cst-031024-018.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>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. </p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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<p>CHAMPAIGN—Makai Kvamme was the unsung hero of DePaul Prep's run to the Class 2A state title last season. His job was to handle the ball, distribute and defend.</p><p>The junior guard stepped into the spotlight on Saturday at State Farm Center, doing plenty of scoring while orchestrating the offense as the Rams beat Catholic League rival Mount Carmel 49-41 to win the Class 3A state championship.</p><p>Kvamme finished with 18 points and six rebounds. He took two three-pointers in the first quarter and made both. That helped establish an early lead that DePaul Prep's steady defense never surrendered.</p><p>"We fought through adversity," Kvamme said. "[Mount Carmel] cut it to three and we kept going, we never gave up. It feels amazing. I don’t even have words. It’s amazing."</p><p>Northwestern recruit Angelo Ciaravino made a three-pointer with 6:35 left in the game to pull the Caravan (32-6) within five points and a three-pointer from sophomore Noah Mister cut the DePaul Prep (35-2) lead to three points with 1:45 to play but that was as close it would get.</p><p>“Ever since we won last year a lot of people said we were going to struggle and have a rough time in 3A and couldn’t get to this point we are at right now,” DePaul Prep senior PJ Chambers said. “That only fueled our fire and made us work harder.”</p><div class="RelatedList Enhancement" data-module data-align-center>
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<p>The Rams made ten consecutive free throws in the final 1:32 to seal the victory.</p><p>“[The loss to Normal earlier in the season] really showed me I needed to work on my free throws,” Kvamme said. “I did it every day in practice since then and I had confidence to knock them down.”</p><p>DePaul Prep dominated the first half. The Rams shot well in the first quarter and then ground down the second quarter with long possessions. Kvamme’s smarts and ball handling ability were the keys to the DePaul Prep’s stretches of turnover-free ball that didn’t allow the Caravan a chance to get back into the game.</p><p>Senior Jaylan McElroy finished with eight points and seven rebounds for the Rams and Chambers, a <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/02/29/2024-chicago-sun-times-all-area-boys-basketball-team" >Sun-Times All-Area</a> selection, added eight points. McElroy's rim protection was one of the special factors in DePaul Prep's run to the title.</p><p>“[The two title] runs were kind of the same,” Kvamme said. “Both years we had players injured and kept fighting and came out on top.”</p><p>Mount Carmel held DePaul Prep to just one field goal and five points in the third quarter but couldn't ever change the momentum of the game.</p><p>Ciaravino led the Caravan with 24 points and Mister added seven, all in the fourth quarter.</p><p>DePaul Prep's only losses this season were to Homewood-Flossmoor and Normal, the teams playing in the Class 4A state championship game.</p><p>Mount Carmel’s last appearance in the state championship game was in 1985. The Caravan beat Springfield Lanphier for the Class AA title.</p><div class="RichTextSidebarModule Enhancement" data-module data-align-center><a class="AnchorLink" id="module-2d0000" name="module-2d0000"></a>
<div class="RichTextModule-items RichTextBody"><h3>2024 IHSA boys basketball finals recaps</h3><bsp-list-loadmore class="PageListN" data-module data-hide-authors="true" data-hide-categories="true" data-hide-dates="true" data-hide-descriptions="true"
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<img class="Image" alt="Homewood-Flossmoor players Mac Hagemaster, L-R, Gianni Cobb, Carson Brownfield, and Bryce Heard hold the IHSA Class 4A state championship trophy." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c420b27/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5184x2955+0+0/resize/100x57!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F45%2F6d%2F224e9b8f4ed08f279ca37720e0e6%2Fob-cst-031024-4011.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/013d1b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5184x2955+0+0/resize/200x114!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F45%2F6d%2F224e9b8f4ed08f279ca37720e0e6%2Fob-cst-031024-4011.jpg 2x" width="100" height="57"
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<img class="Image" alt="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. " srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/56865ee/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3162x1802+0+0/resize/100x57!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F11%2F4e%2Fdaf244f747219f2d227a029a87e9%2Fob-cst-031024-018.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8bd0c94/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3162x1802+0+0/resize/200x114!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F11%2F4e%2Fdaf244f747219f2d227a029a87e9%2Fob-cst-031024-018.jpg 2x" width="100" height="57"
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https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/09/depaul-prep-basketball-ihsa-state-finals-championship-mount-carmelMichael O'Brien2024-03-09T14:52:24.385-06:002024-03-11T07:56:50.576-05:00EJ Horton's soaring athleticism, Elijah Harris' defense lead Phillips to first state title since 1975
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Phillip’s Derrick Brooks (12) holds the IHSA class 2A championship trophy, March 9, 2024, Champaign, Illinois | Allen Cunningham / for Sun-Times</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Allen Cunningham/Chicago Sun Times</p></div></div>
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<p>CHAMPAIGN — Phillips has been known as a football school for the past few decades. The basketball program generally kept its head above water, but that was about it for the South Side school.</p><p>Wildcats coach Paris Martin believed he had something special coming together over the fall. Martin was a regular at football games this season and let people know that the spotlight on the school's sports programs wasn't going to fade away in November.</p><p>Martin was vindicated on Saturday at the State Farm Center. His young team, led by dynamic junior EJ Horton, beat Benton 54-47 to win the Class 2A state title.</p><p>It's the second basketball state championship for Phillips, which won Class AA in 1975.</p><p>Horton's slam with 4:51 to play was the signature moment of the first nine games of the state finals.</p><p>“It was a two on one and [junior Phoenix Childs] got it to me,” Horton said. “[The Benton defender] was hesistant. So I was gonna rise up on him.”</p><p>It was beautiful and powerful and put the Wildcats ahead 45-36.</p><p>“Out of all the bodies I’ve seen EJ Horton catch, that one is probably the fourth best [dunk],” Childs said. “It was the biggest moment though. On the U of I court and in the state championship.”</p><p>Special slam dunks mean more in high school basketball than at other levels. They often send shockwaves through the game.</p><p>“I knew the game was over when he got that,” Martin said. “[His teammates] get the energy after that. They aren’t going to miss an assignment after that. [Benton] was rattled. I knew when he got that dunk all of his brothers were going to come together and take it over the top.”</p><p>Horton and Childs both finished with 13 points and seven rebounds and sophomore Amari Edwards added 12 points for Phillips (25-9).</p><p>Senior Elijah Harris, a pesky and effective defender throughout the game, managed a clever steal and fast-break layup at the end of the first half to put the Wildcats ahead 27-24.</p><div class="RichTextSidebarModule Enhancement" data-module data-align-center><a class="AnchorLink" id="module-530000" name="module-530000"></a>
<div class="RichTextModule-items RichTextBody"><h3>2024 IHSA boys basketball finals recaps</h3><bsp-list-loadmore class="PageListN" data-module data-hide-authors="true" data-hide-categories="true" data-hide-dates="true" data-hide-descriptions="true"
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<img class="Image" alt="Homewood-Flossmoor players Mac Hagemaster, L-R, Gianni Cobb, Carson Brownfield, and Bryce Heard hold the IHSA Class 4A state championship trophy." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c420b27/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5184x2955+0+0/resize/100x57!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F45%2F6d%2F224e9b8f4ed08f279ca37720e0e6%2Fob-cst-031024-4011.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/013d1b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5184x2955+0+0/resize/200x114!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F45%2F6d%2F224e9b8f4ed08f279ca37720e0e6%2Fob-cst-031024-4011.jpg 2x" width="100" height="57"
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<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/09/homewood-flossmoor-ihsa-state-finals-championship-basketball-normal" >The wait is over: Homewood-Flossmoor wins Class 4A state championship</a>
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<span>By </span><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/michael-obrien" >Michael O’Brien</a>
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<div class="PagePromo-media"><a class="Link" aria-label="Makai Kvamme smoothly orchestrates DePaul Prep’s Class 3A state championship win against Mount Carmel" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/09/depaul-prep-basketball-ihsa-state-finals-championship-mount-carmel" ><picture data-crop="small">
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<img class="Image" alt="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. " srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/56865ee/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3162x1802+0+0/resize/100x57!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F11%2F4e%2Fdaf244f747219f2d227a029a87e9%2Fob-cst-031024-018.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8bd0c94/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3162x1802+0+0/resize/200x114!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F11%2F4e%2Fdaf244f747219f2d227a029a87e9%2Fob-cst-031024-018.jpg 2x" width="100" height="57"
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<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/09/depaul-prep-basketball-ihsa-state-finals-championship-mount-carmel" >Makai Kvamme smoothly orchestrates DePaul Prep’s Class 3A state championship win against Mount Carmel</a>
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<span>By </span><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/michael-obrien" >Michael O’Brien</a>
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<div class="PagePromo-media"><a class="Link" aria-label="EJ Horton’s soaring athleticism, Elijah Harris’ defense lead Phillips to first state title since 1975" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/09/phillips-high-school-basketball-ihsa-state-finals-championship-benton" ><picture data-crop="small">
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<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/09/phillips-high-school-basketball-ihsa-state-finals-championship-benton" >EJ Horton’s soaring athleticism, Elijah Harris’ defense lead Phillips to first state title since 1975</a>
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<span>By </span><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/michael-obrien" >Michael O’Brien</a>
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<img class="Image" alt="West Central's Chance Little (24) reacts during the IHSA Class 1A state championship game against Meridian at State Farm Center. " srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0701a95/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3218x1834+0+19/resize/100x57!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F31%2F29%2Fa62cf8eb4107ae2f6f90dd15e0ac%2Fob-cst-031024-005.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/b12fde7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3218x1834+0+19/resize/200x114!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F31%2F29%2Fa62cf8eb4107ae2f6f90dd15e0ac%2Fob-cst-031024-005.jpg 2x" width="100" height="57"
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<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball" >High School Basketball</a>
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<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/09/west-central-ihsa-state-finals-championship-illinois-mounds-meridian" >West Central dominates Mounds Meridian to win its first state title</a>
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<span>By </span><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/michael-obrien" >Michael O’Brien</a>
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</div><p>Benton (32-4) tied the game on Evan Munoz's post basket with 3:15 left in the third quarter but Phillips never trailed in the second half.</p><p>Senior Isaac Billington led Benton (32-4) with 19 points and Evan Munoz added 11. The Rangers’ five starters played all but 13 seconds of the game.</p><p></p><p>“I struggle to take them out because they want to compete and that’s what they are built for,” Benton coach Ron Winemiller said. “They tell me they are never tired. And I thought we looked a little tired today at times.”</p><p></p><p>Phillips received significant contributions from its bench, with four players combining for about 30 minutes.</p><p></p><p>“I inherited all of these guys from programs that didn’t believe in their talents and skill sets,” Martin said. “I did my best to bring them all together and make them bond as family.”</p><p></p><p>Phillips, which starts three juniors and a sophomore, took its lumps against the larger schools in the Red-South/Central. The Wildcats started the season 5-6, with losses to Quincy, Simeon, Curie, Kenwood, McHenry and Richwoods.</p><p></p><p>They heated up late in the season, winning eight consecutive games and advancing to the final four of the Public League playoffs, where they lost to Kenwood.</p><p></p><p>"The boys built as brothers all year," Martin said. "They hugged together at the start of the fourth quarter. There wasn't anything for me to do. They did it.”</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center>
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<div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">Phillip’s team and coaches celebrate their IHSA class 2A championship victory, March 9, 2024, Champaign, Illinois | Allen Cunningham / for Sun-Times</span>
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<span class="CarouselSlide-infoAttribution">Allen Cunningham/Chicago Sun Times</span></div>
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<div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">Phillip’s Derrick Brooks (12) holds the IHSA class 2A championship trophy, March 9, 2024, Champaign, Illinois | Allen Cunningham / for Sun-Times</span>
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<span class="CarouselSlide-infoAttribution">Allen Cunningham/Chicago Sun Times</span></div>
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<div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">Phillip’s Phoenix Childs (15) shoots and hits a three against Benton during the IHSA class 2A championship game, March 9, 2024, Champaign, Illinois | Allen Cunningham / for Sun-Times</span>
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<span class="CarouselSlide-infoAttribution">Allen Cunningham/Chicago Sun Times</span></div>
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<div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">Phillip’s EJ Horton (2) elevates at the top of the key for a shot against Benton during the IHSA class 2A championship game, March 9, 2024, Champaign, Illinois | Allen Cunningham / for Sun-Times</span>
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<span class="CarouselSlide-infoAttribution">Allen Cunningham/Chicago Sun Times</span></div>
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<div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">Phillip’s Elijah Harris (3) finishes a fast break with a layup against Benton during the IHSA class 2A championship game, March 9, 2024, Champaign, Illinois | Allen Cunningham / for Sun-Times</span>
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<span class="CarouselSlide-infoAttribution">Allen Cunningham/Chicago Sun Times</span></div>
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https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/09/phillips-high-school-basketball-ihsa-state-finals-championship-bentonMichael O'Brien2024-03-09T14:18:47.882-06:002024-03-09T21:45:16.67-06:00West Central dominates Mounds Meridian to win its first state title
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<img class="Image" alt="West Central's Chance Little (24) reacts during the IHSA Class 1A state championship game against Meridian at State Farm Center. " srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2bd4051/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3218x1806+0+33/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F31%2F29%2Fa62cf8eb4107ae2f6f90dd15e0ac%2Fob-cst-031024-005.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9746460/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3218x1806+0+33/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F31%2F29%2Fa62cf8eb4107ae2f6f90dd15e0ac%2Fob-cst-031024-005.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>West Central’s Chance Little (24) reacts during the IHSA Class 1A state championship game against Meridian at State Farm Center. </p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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<p>CHAMPAIGN—West Central breezed past Mounds Meridian in the Class 1A state championship game on Saturday at State Farm Center.</p><p>The Cougars never trailed on the way to a 62-43 win, securing the team’s first state title.</p><p>“This is this is a very special group,” West Central coach Ryan Sichting said. “They’re passionate. They love the game. They’re dedicated. And they're not scared of any moment.”</p><p>West Central (36-3) is a co-op of Winchester and Bluffs. Both schools are several miles outside of Jacksonville in central Illinois.</p><p>The Cougars weren’t just unafraid, they were ready to dominate. The outcome was never in doubt. Senior Zack Evans, who had a low-scoring semifinal, led with 27 points and eight rebounds.</p><div class="RelatedList Enhancement" data-module data-align-center>
<div class="RelatedList-title">Related</div>
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<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/07/ihsa-boys-basketball-state-finals-schedule-and-scores" >IHSA boys basketball state finals schedule and scores</a>
</li>
<li class="RelatedList-items-item">
<a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/07/antonio-flenoid-mounds-meridian-hope-ihsa-class-1a" >18-year-old freshman Antonio Flenoid Jr. dazzles against Hope, leads Meridian to Class 1A state-title game</a>
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<p>“I felt like I let my guys down a little bit in the first half on Friday,” Evans said. “I had to bring it today in order for us to get a big win. I definitely had that mindset.”</p><p></p><p>Evans scored six points in the first few minutes as the Cougars jumped out to a 12-3 lead.</p><p></p><p>Meridian, which is led by <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/07/antonio-flenoid-mounds-meridian-hope-ihsa-class-1a" >18-year-old freshman</a> Antonio Flenoid Jr., usually excels on the boards but West Central made that a focus of its game plan.</p><p></p><p>“That was probably the number one goal was to keep them off the offensive glass,” Sichting said.</p><p></p><p>The Cougars out-rebounded Meridian 38-22. Flenoid Jr., who battled foul trouble, finished with 13 points and four rebounds.</p><p></p><p>Javionne Ranson and Will Thurston both scored eight points for the Bobcats (26-9).</p><p></p><p>It’s the third title game defeat for Meridian, which lost the Class A championship game in 1972 and the Class 1A game in 2015.</p><p></p><p>“I couldn’t be more proud of my guys and the way they represented the deep south,” Bobcats coach David Davis said. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more.</p><p></p><p>Davis didn’t mince words when asked about his team’s slow start in the state championship game.</p><p></p><p>“Lackadaisical,” Davis said. “Thinking it would just fall into our hands and be given to us instead of going to get it. We dug ourselves a really deep hole and didn’t hit the glass too hard.”</p><p></p><p>Three players did the vast majority of the scoring for West Central. Evans, 6-4 senior Chance Little (19 points, eight rebounds) and senior guard Mason Berry (13 points, eight rebounds).</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center>
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<img class="Image" alt="West Central's Zack Evans (23) moves the ball ahead of Meridian's Will Thurston (20) during the IHSA Class 1A state title game. " srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3b28c22/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3879x2177+0+0/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fac%2Fb1%2F0f3d9b2143fb88a1982def273bd2%2Fob-cst-031024-002.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d2481d9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3879x2177+0+0/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fac%2Fb1%2F0f3d9b2143fb88a1982def273bd2%2Fob-cst-031024-002.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>West Central’s Zack Evans (23) moves the ball ahead of Meridian’s Will Thurston (20) during the IHSA Class 1A state title game. </p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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</div><p>“It was a crazy atmosphere,” Little said. “I think the whole town was here. They come and support us every game that we play. It means a lot.”</p><p></p><p>Berry had the ball as time expired. He threw it towards the State Farm Center ceiling in celebration.</p><p></p><p>“It was just a great feeling,” Berry said. “We’ve worked really hard for this and we’ve been through a lot this year.”</p><p></p><p>West Central beat Aurora Christian in double overtime in the semifinals on Thursday. Eagles star Marshawn Cocroft scored 36 points, but the Cougars shut Aurora Christian out in the second overtime.</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center>
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<div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">The West Central basketball team poses for a phot in front of their fans after winning the IHSA 1A State Championship game against Meridian at State Farm Center. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</span>
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<span class="CarouselSlide-infoAttribution">Kirsten Stickney</span></div>
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<div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">Meridian’s Antonio Flenoid Jr (40) reaches for the ball against West Central’s Cameron Sievers (4) during the IHSA 1A State Championship game at State Farm Center. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</span>
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<span class="CarouselSlide-infoAttribution">Kirsten Stickney</span></div>
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<div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">Meridian’s Antonio Flenoid Jr (40) drives to the net against West Central’s Mason Berry (2) and Carson Brown (25) during the IHSA 1A State Championship game at State Farm Center. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</span>
<span class="CarouselSlide-pipe">|</span>
<span class="CarouselSlide-infoAttribution">Kirsten Stickney</span></div>
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<div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">West Central’s Carson Brown (25) and West Central’s Cameron Sievers (4) celebrate during the second quarter of the IHSA 1A State Championship game at State Farm Center. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</span>
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<span class="CarouselSlide-infoAttribution">Kirsten Stickney</span></div>
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<div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">West Central’s Zack Evans (23) shoots the ball over Meridian’s Cole Kaufman during the IHSA 1A State Championship game at State Farm Center. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</span>
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<span class="CarouselSlide-infoAttribution">Kirsten Stickney</span></div>
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<div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">West Central’s Chance Little (24) goes to the basket over Meridian during the IHSA 1A State Championship game at State Farm Center. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</span>
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<span class="CarouselSlide-infoAttribution">Kirsten Stickney</span></div>
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<div class="CarouselSlide-infoTitle"><span class="CarouselSlide-infoDescription">West Central’s Mason Berry (2) and Chance Little (24) celebrate winning the IHSA 1A State Championship game against Meridian at State Farm Center. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</span>
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https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/09/west-central-ihsa-state-finals-championship-illinois-mounds-meridianMichael O'Brien2024-03-08T20:07:08.896-06:002024-03-09T00:51:52.271-06:00Palatine's Cinderella playoff run ends in Class 4A semis against Normal
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<img class="Image" alt="Palatine's Connor May (21) is guarded by Normal's Dexter Niekamp (22) as he tries to pass the ball." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ab7e9c2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3880x2178+0+39/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F8b%2Fb9%2F4566cb094428a88befa87541e7cc%2Fob-cst-030924-041.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2e725c8/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3880x2178+0+39/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F8b%2Fb9%2F4566cb094428a88befa87541e7cc%2Fob-cst-030924-041.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Palatine’s Connor May (21) is guarded by Normal’s Dexter Niekamp (22) as he tries to pass the ball. </p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
</figure>
<p>CHAMPAIGN—After every game at the IHSA state basketball finals, there is a news conference. The winning and losing teams sit down in the media room, usually the head coach and four or five players.</p><p>Each game is scrutinized like an NCAA Final Four matchup.</p><p>Sometimes, that’s a bit silly. Palatine coach Eric Millstone was able to sum up the difference between his team and Normal quite simply.</p><p>“There weren’t any adjustments we could make other than grow taller,” Millstone said.</p><p>Normal, possibly the tallest team in the state, beat the Pirates <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/07/ihsa-boys-basketball-state-finals-schedule-and-scores" >58-38</a> in the Class 4A state semifinals at State Farm Center on Friday.</p><p>The Ironmen start 6-10 Jaheem Webber, 6-8 Noah Cleveland, 6-6 Nico Newsome, 6-4 Braylon Roman and 6-4 Dexter Niekamp. They outrebounded Palatine 32-13.</p><p>“It’s not just the length; it is the bulk that goes with it,” Millstone said. “I give all the credit in the world to our guys for putting their noses in there and really battling, but at some point, the laws of physics take over.”</p><p>Roman led Normal (32-5) with 19 points, and Webber finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks.</p><p>The Ironmen led 27-22 at halftime and opened the third quarter with an 8-0 run and never looked back.</p><p><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/02/29/2024-chicago-sun-times-all-area-boys-basketball-team" >Sun-Times All-Area selection</a> Connor May led Palatine (28-9) with 17 points.</p><p>“Everybody told us how great [May] was, and he is even better live than he was on film,” Normal coach Dave Witzig said. “[Newsome] did a great job on him, and he was still 8-for-14 from the field. He’s very hard to stop.”</p><p>May, a Washington University recruit, led the Pirates to back-to-back Mid-Suburban League championships, the first for the school in 30 years. This was Palatine’s first trip to the state finals.</p><p>“Connor has been unbelievable the last three years,” Millstone said. “He’s able to be an incredible basketball player within the framework of our team. He’s been great when we need him to be great. That’s a difficult thing to do. The deeper we went in the playoffs, the more he elevated his game.”</p><p>Senior Tommy Elter added 10 points for Palatine, and sophomore Tony Belanganayi scored six.</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center>
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<img class="Image" alt="Normal's Kobe Walker (42) shoots the ball over Palatine." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8d9a7f4/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3347x1878+0+177/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb6%2F0c%2Fa803ab5344e5a4549f7d05359117%2Fob-cst-030924-037.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1272492/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3347x1878+0+177/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb6%2F0c%2Fa803ab5344e5a4549f7d05359117%2Fob-cst-030924-037.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Normal’s Kobe Walker (42) shoots the ball over Palatine.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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</div><p>The Ironmen were one of the preseason picks to advance to Champaign and played a rugged schedule, driving to the Chicago area regularly to match up against DePaul Prep, Waubonsie Valley, Benet and Downers Grove North. Normal also played Thornton and Kenwood in the regular season.</p><p>“[The schedule] absolutely helped us,” Witzig said. “It’s just a little bit different basketball than in central Illinois. That really prepared us for tonight.”</p><p>Normal advances to the state championship game for the first time since 2015, when it lost to Jalen Brunson and Stevenson.</p><p>“There was chatter about our team in the summer because of how tall we were,” Witzig said. “But it has taken us awhile to play the defense we want to play. The last four or five weeks we’ve been playing unbelievable defense. We are playing our best basketball at the right time.”<br></p>
https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/08/palatine-high-school-basketball-ihsa-state-finals-normal-connor-mayMichael O'Brien2024-03-08T19:24:33.986-06:002024-03-09T00:38:57.318-06:00Gianni Cobb brings magic, Bryce Heard consistency as Homewood-Flossmoor beats New Trier in the Class 4A semis
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<img class="Image" alt="Homewood Flossmoor's Gianni Cobb (1) goes to the basket against New Trier's Logan Feller (22) during the final moments of the IHSA Class 4A state semifinal at State Farm Center." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a271926/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3950x2217+0+3/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F4f%2F88%2Fd21165cd4639a572b29ee2a14966%2Fob-cst-030924-033.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5c7f9e8/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3950x2217+0+3/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F4f%2F88%2Fd21165cd4639a572b29ee2a14966%2Fob-cst-030924-033.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Homewood Flossmoor’s Gianni Cobb (1) goes to the basket against New Trier’s Logan Feller (22) during the final moments of the IHSA Class 4A state semifinal at State Farm Center.</p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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<p>CHAMPAIGN—New Trier pulled off its game plan perfectly Friday at State Farm Center.</p><p>The Trevians dictated tempo against top-ranked Homewood-Flossmoor, turning the IHSA Class 4A state semifinal into a low-scoring halfcourt game.</p><p>Gianni Cobb busted the plan open with one magical moment.</p><p>The Homewood-Flossmoor senior waited, watched and struck at exactly the right time, racing to the top of the key to poke the ball away from two New Trier players.</p><p>Cobb, a <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/02/29/2024-chicago-sun-times-all-area-boys-basketball-team" >Sun-Times All-Area selection</a>, scored on a fast-break layup and was fouled. He made the free throw to give the Vikings a six-point lead with 1:08 to play.</p><p>The Trevians fought back to cut the lead to one with 22 seconds left, but seniors Carson Brownfield and Caleb Chavers each made two free throws to seal a 40-35 win and a spot in the Class 4A state title game for Homewood-Flossmoor.</p><p>“I cheated and got the steal and the big and-one,” Cobb said. “That was a big play for my team, brought us back up.”</p><p>There were several heroes for the Vikings (32-4). Junior Bryce Heard was the team’s only significant offensive threat for most of the game, and Chavers' high-pressure free throws were incredibly difficult for a player that only played three minutes and didn't take a shot in the game.</p><p>Heard scored 16 points and had seven rebounds. He was 7-for-11 shooting, making several difficult shots when Homewood-Flossmoor’s offense was stagnant.</p><p>“We needed a spark offensively,” Heard said. “I tried to come out there and be aggressive and hit some shots.”</p><p>Cobb scored 12 points for Homewood-Flossmoor, which turned up its defensive intensity in the final minutes.</p><p>“We have to be strong with the ball,” New Trier coach Scott Fricke said. “We can’t turn the ball over in late situations. It happens. Sometimes you throw the ball away. We’re not perfect.”</p><p>New Trier (29-8) led 5-4 after one quarter, and the game was tied at 11 at halftime.</p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center>
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<img class="Image" alt="Homewood Flossmoor's Bryce Heard (2) shoots over New Trier's Colby Smith (4). " srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/b7da4fc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3706x2080+0+196/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F91%2F69%2Fd4287d3a41cbb1e4f572440cf2c6%2Fob-cst-030924-028.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bd0673a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3706x2080+0+196/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F91%2F69%2Fd4287d3a41cbb1e4f572440cf2c6%2Fob-cst-030924-028.jpg 2x" width="490" height="275"
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<div class="Figure-content"><figcaption class="Figure-caption"><p>Homewood Flossmoor’s Bryce Heard (2) shoots over New Trier’s Colby Smith (4). </p></figcaption><span class="line"></span><div class="Figure-credit"><p>Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times</p></div></div>
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</div><p>“We wanted longer possessions, and we wanted to control the pace of the game,” Trevians senior Logan Feller said. “Yeah, we couldn’t get into a rhythm at the beginning of the fourth quarter, but the long possessions were a good thing for us over the course of the game.”</p><p>Feller finished with nine points, eight rebounds and three assists. Sophomore Christopher Kirkpatrick continued his emergence as a playoff star, leading the Trevians with 13 points. </p><p>Sophomore Danny Houlihan drained two three-pointers in the final 46 seconds to keep things close.</p><p>The Trevians lost in the Class 4A semifinals last season, as well.</p><p>“It’s an incredible run,” Fricke said. “You see how good they are on the floor, and they are even better people. If you’re gonna beat us, you have to tear our heart out. And that’s what Homewood-Flossmoor had to do tonight.”</p><p>Homewood-Flossmoor will face Normal, a winner against Palatine in the other semifinal, in the championship game Saturday. The Vikings have never won a state title. Their Julian Wright-led team lost in the title game to Shaun Livingston and Peoria Richwoods in 2004.</p><p>After the game, H-F coach Jamere Dismukes was asked if he believed the Vikings were a “team of destiny.”</p><p>“Yes, I do,” Dismukes said. “I believe that.”</p>
https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2024/03/08/homewood-flossmoor-new-trier-basketball-ihsa-state-finalsMichael O'Brien