Hoops heaven: The 6 Peoria-area teams to win IESA state championships in 2022-23
The Illinois Elementary School Association basketball state finals took place between December 2022 and February 2023 at locations across the state.
Three seventh- and eighth-grade girls teams from Peoria-area communities won state championships, while another three boys teams won titles in seventh grade — each of the boys teams first-time champs in the sport.
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BOYS
Peoria St. Jude
Record: 20-4
How they won: Defeated Pana Sacred Heart 28-25 to win the seventh-grade Class 1A state championship at East Peoria Central Junior High on Feb. 9, 2023.
Roster: Eamon Lynch, Cristian Cabral, Henry Jennetten, Keshon Sonnemaker, Evan Flaherty, Zach Pribaz, Tyler Ho, John Alvino, Luke Fady, Tom Hoeft, Gavin Stickelmaier, Luis Ocegueda.
History: First IESA state championship in school history.
Peoria St. Philomena
Record: 24-4
How they won: Defeated Dieterich 40-29 to win the seventh-grade Class 2A state championship at Macon Meridian High School on Feb. 9, 2023.
Roster: Tomie Couri, Joey Alwan, Andrew Daly, Kam Bill, Alex O'Leary, Nolan Kenny, Collin Ibeck, Kason King, Charlie McKee, Jack Hapke, Charlie Lutz, Johnny Navetta, Kaden Mocilan, Jack LaHood, Lucas Mohrman.
History: Second IESA state championship and first in boys basketball.
Metamora Grade School
Record: 28-0
How they won: Defeated South Holland McKinley 50-21 to win the seventh-grade Class 3A state championship at El Paso-Gridley High School on Feb. 9, 2023.
Roster: Brady Karch, Collin Morrison, Kayden Turner, Mason Russell, Brayden Cox, Rush Pace, Cameron Beekman, Tanner Curtin, Aven Cassidy, Brady Seckler, Adam Pavesich, Brady Jones, AJ Ioerger, Parker Emery.
History: Fifth IESA state championship and first in boys basketball.
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GIRLS
Washington St. Patrick
Record: 28-0
How they won: Defeated Sigel St. Michael's 22-19 to win the seventh-grade Class 1A state championship at Assumption Central A&M Middle School on Dec. 8, 2022.
Roster: Kate McDougall, Emma Draeger, Grace Johannsen, Grace Ruppel, Miranda Windsor, Lilia Blankenship, Hayden Cadwalader, Ava Ritter, Lily Larrison, Ella Reed, Emily Clift, Ann Tenuta, Ashlyn Crowley, AJ Berberich, Petra Chiras.
History: Second IESA state championship in school history and first in girls basketball.
Havana Junior High
Record: 28-0
How they won: Defeated Liberty 41-23 to win the seventh-grade Class 2A state championship at Paris High School on Dec. 8, 2022.
Roster: Jenna Brooks, Angel Diaz-Painter, Marley Smith, Olivia Duncan, Jordyn Markley, Ava Kramer, Bella Young, Lauren Showalter, Maggie French, Madolyn Howerter, Evy Smith, Natalie Arthalony.
History: Sixth IESA state championship in school history and fifth in girls basketball.
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Eureka Middle School
Record: 27-1
How they won: Defeated Hillsboro 36-23 to win the eighth-grade Class 3A state championship at Germantown Hills Middle School on Dec. 15, 2022.
Roster: Kiley Post, Rylee Dare, Bri Reinacher, Ivy Edwards, Addie Hadfield, Skylar Knapp, Cheyanne Post, Gaba Musselman, Dalaney Marvin, Mya Edwards, Chloe Williams.
History: The 11th IESA state title in school history and third in girls basketball.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: IESA basketball state finals: Teams from Peoria to win state titles
