Will Cook County News

By Claude Martinez.

Champaign — The Marist RedHawks (No. 6 in Illinois according to MaxPreps) captured their first IHSA Class 4A Boys Basketball State Championship on March 14, defeating the defending champion Benet Academy Redwings 44–28 at the State Farm Center.

Defense powered the RedHawks (33-5) throughout the season and again in the state final. Marist held Benet (36-2) scoreless in the second quarter and limited the Redwings to just three points in the fourth.

Marist also showcased its defensive strength earlier in the postseason.

In the IHSA Joliet West Sectional Semifinal on March 4, the RedHawks defeated the Lockport Porters 59–33, holding Lockport to zero points in the first quarter, nine in the second, and five in the fourth.

Senior power forward Stephen Brown was named the WCCN Player of the Game in the state final. Brown played 38 minutes, finishing with eight points, eight rebounds, one steal, and one block. His defensive pressure played a key role in winning the state championship.

The RedHawks were led offensively by senior forward Charles Barnes Jr., who scored 13 points in 31 minutes. Barnes went 3-for-6 from the field and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line, while adding three rebounds, one assist, and two steals.

For Benet Academy, senior center Colin Stack led the team with nine points, five rebounds, and two blocks.

The championship team is expected to be celebrated Sunday at the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“The 48th Annual South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at noon this Sunday, March 15,” Marist High School wrote in a March 14 announcement on Facebook. “We are proud that Marist High School will be represented by the famous Marist marching band and the boys & girls state championship volleyball teams who will be walking with Honor, Glory, and Fame in the parade.”

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