Will Cook County News

By Claude Martinez.

The 2025 3A Regional Finals at Country Club Hills, on February 28, 2025, was a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The #5 seed Crete-Monee Warriors faced off against the #4 seed Hillcrest Hawks in a game that would come down to the wire.

At the end of the first quarter, Hillcrest led by just 2 points, with the score at 12-10.

However, the Warriors came back strong in the second quarter, focusing on attacking the paint and limiting the impact of Hillcrest’s big men. This shift in momentum helped Crete-Monee take a 31-20 lead into halftime.

The third quarter saw Hillcrest’s big men finally come to life, with Maximilian Carmicle scoring 10 points during the period. The Hawks took back the lead, thanks to Jamir Ratliff, who hit a pair of free throws, giving Hillcrest a 36-35 advantage.

To start the fourth quarter, Carmicle quickly added 2 points.

On Crete-Monee’s next possession, Robert Kennedy answered with a 3-pointer.

After some back-and-forth play, Hillcrest’s Jamir Ratliff went to the free-throw line, making both attempts.

Jayden Preston responded by doing the same for Crete-Monee, tying the game at 40.

A successful free throw from Ingram gave Hillcrest the lead back and it was followed up by a short jumper from Jamari Thomas.

Crete-Monee quickly equalized when Preston made a swing pass to Jayden Watts, who nailed a three-pointer from deep.

Carmicle then split a pair of free throws, but Uriel Chapman took the lead for the Warriors shortly after. On the next possession, Gary Bradley grabbed an important rebound and scored a tough put-back.

Carmicle was then sent to the free-throw line twice and split both pairs of bonus shots. He then made a critical steal on the inbound pass, sending the ball to Jamir Ratliff, who took it to the basket for a hard-earned 2 points.

This gave Hillcrest a five-point lead at 50-45.

Watts quickly responded with a bucket, and then Thomas hit a floater for the Hawks. Then Watts made a pair of free throws for Crete-Monee, keeping the game tight.

A few plays later, Jamir Ratliff intercepted a pass and finished with a fast break layup, but Watts answered with a single-handed shot.

Watts then drained a step-back two-pointer, tying the game at 54 with just 10.5 seconds left.

The game was now in Hillcrest’s hands, but they turned the ball over with 7.3 seconds remaining. Fortunately for the Hawks, the Warriors also turned it over.

With less than seven seconds left, Jovohn Ratliff inbounded the ball to Ingram, who passed it right back. Ratliff sprinted toward the arch, took the shot, but missed. However, he was fouled on the play.

With just 0.6 seconds remaining, Ratliff had the chance to win the game with free throws.

His first attempt hit the front iron and missed, causing the crowd to rise to their feet in anticipation. The pressure was on.

Ratliff made the next two shots, securing the win and giving Hillcrest the regional championship.

FINAL: Hillcrest 56, Crete-Monee 54.

This victory marks Coach Don Houston’s 15th regional win in 18 seasons.

The WCCN Player of the Game was Jovohn Ratliff, who sank the game-winning free throws and finished with 10 points.

Another standout for Hillcrest was Maximilian Carmicle, who dominated in the third quarter and ended the game with 15.

Hillcrest now advances to the Brother Rice Sectionals, where they will face the #1 seed Brother Rice Crusaders on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Special thank you to the IHSA, Dr. Maurice Young (Hillcrest athletic director), Don Houston (Hillcrest head coach) and Jawan Nelson (C-M head coach).

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