LIVE! 2023 IHSA boys' basketball state championship games
Mar. 11—FINAL — Moline 59, Benet 43. Maroons win the Class 4A state championship, their first in program history. pic.twitter.com/ctvljdikVn
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
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Moline leading 55-37 with 3:10 left in Q4.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
Benet's Nash fouls out with 4:42 to play in Q4. Moline leading 54-33.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
***
Moline ran nearly two minutes of game clock late in Q3 and finished it with a bucket from Taylor.
All Maroons over the Redwings, as they head into the fourth quarter leading 44-30.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
* * *
Owen Freeman hasn't needed to do much on the scoring front so far for Moline, but the Maroons opted to get him doing early in Q3. Sulaver has it tough with him, giving up 4 inches.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
That was some circus stuff right there. Harding tries to throw up a transition alley-oop pass, and it gets deflected. But Owen Freeman reaches a hand back and manages to tip it up and in on the run. Really impressive awareness.
Moline leading by 10 now.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
Harding up and under along the baseline, and Benet needs time.
Maroons threatening to run away with this. They look far more comfortable out there. It's 40-28 with 3:58 left in Q3.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
* * *
Owen Freeman picks up his second foul, to Moline fans' dismay. Both coaches have been working the refs a bit, as this one's been physical.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
Harding really doesn't need much space to do ... well, anything. Fires up a three over Moukoulou's snug coverage, gets it to rattle around and drop, and draws the foul. 30-25 Maroons late in Q2.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
At halftime, Moline leads Benet 32-25. Redwings' Abusara put up a nearly full-court heave one-handed and got it to clang off the rim. That was impressive even without going in.
The Brock Harding factor is the difference in this one so far.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
Harding with 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field (3 of 4 from three) for Moline; also two steals and one assist; Ogburn with six points and three rebounds.
Fagbemi with 12 points for Benet. Nash with nine points/four boards, Abusara with four points on 2-of-9 shooting.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
* * *
Harding is slippery and making really good decisions with the ball in his hands right now. Just a difficult assignment for Fagbemi ... Harding has 12 points already.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
But Fagbemi is giving Harding a fight. Nice job poking the ball loose after trailing behind the play, leading to a Nash steal and score that ties the game at 21.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
Benet's Abusara has had a quiet night so far after some iffy passes early on, but he did well to surprise Owen Freeman by rising up for a mid-range jumper before the 6-foot-10 big man could start lunging upward.
23-23 with 3:19 left in Q2.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
* * *
Freeman with some great court vision there, threading a pass to a cutting Ogburn underneath for two.
Then the other half of the future Iowa duo, Harding, drills an off-balance corner three.
Benet needs time. Maroons lead 12-5, 2:37 Q1.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
Braden Freeman wanted that pass from Owen Freeman. Got it. Knocked down the three.
Fagbemi is starting to cook for Benet, though. Nice pull-up two, then a driving bucket plus a foul. Sinks the FT to make it 15-10 Moline late in Q1.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
Harding with a heady play there ... got Fagbemi into the air on a shot fake, turned it into a foul behind the arc. Hits 2 of 3 FTs.
Fagbemi quickly redeems himself with a contested three-pointer before the horn. After one quarter, Moline leads Benet 17-15.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
* * *
Benet's Nash drills a straightaway three-pointer about 1 1/2 minutes into this one for the first points of the game.
Ogburn responds by getting underneath and finishing the basket through contact. Misses the FT, though, so it's 3-2 Redwings early.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
Both of these teams have done a nice job getting to the rim so far. Benet has had a few good opportunities rim out.
Not so on the most recent one. Abusara finishes through a foul, though he misses the FT. 5-4 Redwings with 4:20 left in Q1.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
Benet trying to get a little too creative with its passing in some instances. Redwings have three turnovers already.
Moline pulls ahead 7-5 with 3:35 left in Q1 as Harding drops a three on his first shot attempt of the evening.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
* * *
Starters for Moline: Brock Harding, Jasper Ogburn, Treyvon Taylor, Owen Freeman, Grant Welch.
Starters for Benet: Brayden Fagbemi, Sam Driscoll, Andy Nash, Parker Sulaver, Niko Abusara. No Brady Kunka for Benet after his injury yesterday.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
More than 45 years ago, my father, Bob Dare, introduced me to Moline Maroons basketball. He has been a season ticket holder ever since.
Tonight, he and I are at the @StateFarmCenter to watch @MolineBoysBball play for its first-ever state basketball title.
GO MAROONS. pic.twitter.com/4sQuuBkkOI
— Chad Dare (@chaddare) March 12, 2023
#Illini Coleman Hawkins is here and taking some time to pose for photos with young fans. pic.twitter.com/U4A2nVqaFd
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
Here come the Maroons and Redwings. pic.twitter.com/wBNkSXlhep
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
* * *
The Class 3A state champion Metamora Redbirds and the runner-up Simeon Wolverines: pic.twitter.com/9pFP4yMowK
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 12, 2023
Front-page news:
Kids from @MetamoraBBB, @MTHSAthletics have reason to celebrate after OT thriller against @SimeonNation in wild Class 3A title game pic.twitter.com/duu3qJasWu
— The News-Gazette (@news_gazette) March 12, 2023
Metamora gets it done this year, 46-42 in OT. pic.twitter.com/Y9BELNAbM5
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 12, 2023
* * *
56.2 seconds left in OT. Metamora 42, Simeon 40. Mason and Griffith just traded layups. pic.twitter.com/qzBYRI2VbT
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 12, 2023
* * *
Metamora will play in an overtime state title game for the second season in a row. Didn't catch who shot this from my perch, but the shot sailed wide. 34-34 after 32 minutes. First overtime game of this year's state finals. pic.twitter.com/mKm9QXo0vE
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 12, 2023
* * *
Smooth finish from Griffith. 34-34 with 1:15 to play. pic.twitter.com/xZTMCKSgcH
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 12, 2023
Timeout Simeon. They'll inbound with a chance to win it. 34-34 with three seconds left. 3.4 seconds, to be specific.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 12, 2023
* * *
Media timeout at 3:51. Metamora still ahead 32-30. Redbirds only up two points despite leading rebounding 32-18 and having seven turnovers to the Wolverines' one.
Both teams have 13 makes from the field, Metamora has five threes to Simeon's three. Down the stretch they come.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 12, 2023
***
Metamora opened the fourth quarter with a Mason free throw. 27-27. Then Swanson hit a three. 30-27. Then Griffith hit a three. 30-30 with 6:25 left and a state title on the line.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 12, 2023
***
Same margin, slightly different score at the end of the third quarter. Miles Rubin and Mason traded layups at the end of the quarter. The former leads Simeon with eight points, Swanson leads Metamora with 10 points. pic.twitter.com/BxrLfz9AP8
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 12, 2023
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The Redbirds roar back to start the third quarter. This three from Tyson Swanson gave Metamora a 24-23 lead.
Griffith responded with a layup that put Simeon back in front, 25-24. Timeout with 4:25 left in Q3. pic.twitter.com/ThXgpFcfod
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 12, 2023
***
Nothing cooking for Metamora at the horn and halftime arrives with the Wolverines leading 23-14. Kizer hit a three with 2:41 left in the half, but Griffith responded with a two-point make to limit the Redbirds' gain to one point.
Miles Rubin, Swanson have seven points apiece. pic.twitter.com/D55zohS6v6
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 12, 2023
***
Timeout Simeon as the Wolverines open their lead to 21-11 with a 9-0 run to start the third quarter. Simeon is flowing on both ends — especially the Rubins, who have four points apiece this quarter — while Metamora is 0-5 from the field. 2:45 left in the half.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 12, 2023
***
Kizer can't finish at the buzzer, but Swanson knocked down a three with 1:33 left in the first quarter to reduce Simeon's lead to 12-11.
Wesley Rubin and Sam Lewis have three points apiece for the Wolverines; Swanson leads Metamora with seven points. pic.twitter.com/6EF1N9syig
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
***
First foul of the game sends Miles Rubin to the line to complete an and-one after a Swanson foul. 12-8 is their lead at the media timeout, which didn't kick in until 1:38 in the quarter. Impressive.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
Quick pace of play so far, few whistles and still no fouls. Simeon leads 10-8 thanks to a balanced scoring approach while the Redbirds are playing on the strength of four points from Tucker and a bucket apiece from Hopp and Swanson.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
***
Metamora starters: Tyler Mason, Luke Hopp, Ethan Kizer, Tyson Swanson and Drew Tucker. Redbirds coach is Danny Grieves.
Simeon starters: Jalen Griffith, Michael Ratliff, Wesley Rubin, Sam Lewis and Miles Rubin. Wolverines coach is Robert Smith.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
State Farm Center is filling up ahead of the Class 3A final between Metamora (33-2) and Simeon (31-3).
Plenty of storylines in this one as Wolverines coach Robert Smith's last game is a rematch of a state semifinal that the Redbirds won last year. Updates to come for @ngpreps. pic.twitter.com/orUJy9QS4J
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
***
5:25 p.m. — Pregame for Class 3A state final between Metamora and Simeon
The second half of the day kicks off with a highly-anticipated bout between Metamora (33-2) and Simeon (31-3) in the Class 3A championship game.
Plenty of storylines exist ahead of this one, from Simeon coach Robert Smith's final game to the renewal of a Class 3A semifinal that Metamora won 50-47 last season.
***
A season worth celebrating for Class 2A state champion DePaul College Prep (Rams finish 23-12) and runner-up Bloomington Central Catholic (Rams finish 26-12). pic.twitter.com/wEtPXhm4WR
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
The celebration is on for the Rams: pic.twitter.com/mqCdq4Zbr6
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
FINAL: DePaul College Prep captures the Class 2A crown with a 65-41 win over Bloomington Central Catholic.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
DePaul's student section can feel it now. The bench is coming in with the Rams ahead comfortably late in the final frame. pic.twitter.com/QiGIhBj4OB
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
* * *
DePaul is closing in on a Class 2A state title. Rams lead 57-36 and are shooting free throws to close it out. Thomas leads with Rams with 17 points.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
* * *
DePaul holds steady with a 16 point lead thanks to four points from Thomas and a free throw from McElroy. Rams up 52-36, 4:24 to play.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
***
Certa hit a three late in the frame to give the Saints a bit of a spark, but Kvamme and Chambers each hit free throws down the stretch to limit the Saints' gain to one point. Still time left, but the Saints have their work cut out, especially since Hayes has already fouled out.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
***
Certa hit a three late in the frame to give the Saints a bit of a spark, but Kvamme and Chambers each hit free throws down the stretch to limit the Saints' gain to one point. Still time left, but the Saints have their work cut out, especially since Hayes has already fouled out.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
Certa hit a three late in the frame to give the Saints a bit of a spark, but Kvamme and Chambers each hit free throws down the stretch to limit the Saints' gain to one point. Still time left, but the Saints have their work cut out, especially since Hayes has already fouled out.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
***
DePaul is really starting to open this one up now. Rams lead 40-21 with 1:41 left in the third. BCC looks out of sorts and Chambers and McElroy are up to 18 combined point for the Rams. Rams shooting 16-32 from the field; Saints are just 9-29.
***
Kvamme adds a three and DePaul is continuing to look sharp. Rams lead 35-19 with 4:38 to play in Q3.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
DePaul builds its lead to 32-19 with 5:20 to play in the third quarter. Chambers hit two free throws and Kamin picked up a layup.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
***
Charlie Graham drains a three to beat the buzzer and keep BCC's deficit under 10 points at halftime.
Rams 28, Saints 19 with 16 minutes to play. Certa leads BCC and all scorers with 10 points, Thomas tops the chart for DePaul with nine points. pic.twitter.com/SZUBeJoQK3
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
***
***
Nothing of note happens in the last possession of the first quarter and the second frame will begin with DePaul ahead 12-8. Fisher and McElroy lead all scorers with four points apiece. pic.twitter.com/ZjF5Jic6bV
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
BCC just connected with Fisher again; Hayes did a nice job of rebounding an errant Certa three and finding Fisher down low for a nice finish. Certa responds by making a two and Thomas answers for DePaul with a three. 12-8 DePaul, 20 seconds left Q1.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
***
Good start for DePaul. Rams are spreading the wealth between McElroy and Kamin in the early stages, they've combine for six points on three field goals. Their only miscue was on the defensive end when they left Hayes open for an easy layup. Rams are up 7-2, 4:46 left in Q1.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
***
BCC starters: Cole Certa, Chase Fisher, Rye Pirtz, Colin Hayes and Trey Eller. Saints head coach is Jason Welch.
DePaul starters: Makai Kvamme, PJ Chambers, Payton Kamin, Maurice Thomas and Jaylan McElroy. Rams head coach is Tom Kleinschmidt.
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
Time to crown a Class 2A champion as @cchsbballsaints & @DePaulPrepMBB square off. The Rams are 22-12 and beat Teutopolis on Thursday, the Saints are 26-11 and beat Rockridge on Thursday.
Updates to come for @ngpreps. pic.twitter.com/ijTK58UmeM
— Joey Wright (@JoeyWright2000) March 11, 2023
***
1:00 p.m. — Pregame for Class 2A state final between Bloomington Central Catholic and DePaul College Prep
Next up: Bloomington Central Catholic (26-11) and DePaul College Prep meet up with a Class 2A title on the line. BCC dealt Rockridge a 57-44 loss in Thursday's semifinal, which took place just after DePaul's 45-17 win over Teutopolis.
BCC — coached by Villa Grove native Jason Welch — is seeking its first state title since 2013-14. DePaul College Prep — coached by former DePaul University All-American player Tom Kleinschmidt — is seeking its first-ever state title.
***
Your Class 1A state champion Gibault Hawks and 1A state runner-up Scales Mound Hornets. pic.twitter.com/CcomeIQuYB
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
***
The party is on for Gibault. pic.twitter.com/eYmeFAERyk
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
***
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Go ahead and celebrate, @GibaultBBall, @GibaultCatholic
Your Class 1A state champs@visitchampaign @IHSAState pic.twitter.com/UVwcB7XlZy
— News-Gazette Preps (@ngpreps) March 11, 2023
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FINAL: Gibault 65, Scales Mound 45. The Hawks are your Class 1A state champions.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
***
Kaden Augustine with the up-and-under after a Scales Mound turnover.
The Hawks can feel it. They lead 60-45 with 2:52 left in Q4 of this state final.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
* * *
Gavin Kesler is bringing a second wind to Gibault's entire offense. Just putting in work in the paint, including converting a layup and drawing a foul just now.
It's 57-45 Gibault with 3:50 left in Q4.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
* * *
An absolutely broken play for Gibault ends with one player sprawling to the floor and flinging the ball into the air before another player lunges to save it from going out of bounds.
It eventually finds Blank, who sinks a three. That was a huge shot. 50-39 Hawks with 6 to play.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
Blank with another three. Gibault's passing is back to first-quarter production. Scales Mound is a step behind.
53-42 Hawks with 5:02 left in Q4.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
* * *
Through three quarters, Gibault leads Scales Mound 45-39.
Gibault's Kaden Augustine with 21 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field (3 of 4 from three).
Scales Mound's Hereau with 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field (5 of 6 from three).
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
* * *
Wiegel, playing with three fouls, drains a three-pointer to start scoring in the second half.
Scales Mound leads for the first time all day, 26-25.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
Gibault responds right back with a corner triple from Blank.
But then another Scales Mound three, this one from Slavenburg. His second of the day.
And then a three from Gibault's Kaden Augustine.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
That was a fun sequence. Six consecutive made shots between the two teams, ending with Gibault ahead 33-31, 4:59 Q3.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
Hereau a three for Scales Mound. He's up to 19 points.
Kaden Augustine a three for Gibault in response. He's up to 16 points.
Not what I expected this game to become, given how it started. But I'm here for it.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
The two do it again. Hereau a three, Kaden Augustine a three in response.
Can't think of a much better time for a shooting heater. Both guys are on a big one.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
It's 39-37 Gibault with 2:29 left in Q3.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
* * *
Longtime Gibault coach Dennis Rueter isn't afraid to express himself on the sideline.
The man who said Thursday "I'd probably just as soon get (the state final) over with" is getting plenty animated over some recent foul calls against the Hawks.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
Thomas Hereau came to play for Scales Mound.
He's gone on a tear in this second quarter. The Hornets inexplicably could lead before the break.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
At halftime, Gibault leads Scales Mound 25-23. As much as Q1 leaned toward the Hawks, Q2 leaned toward the Hornets.
We've got a ballgame.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
Hereau is sitting on 16 points for Scales Mound, hitting 3 of 4 shots from three-point range. Had the final five points before intermission.
Kaden Augustine with 10 points for Gibault, including going 6 of 6 at the free throw line. Kesler with eight points.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
* * *
Gibault receives its first foul against with 6:51 left in Q2.
Scales Mound had five at that point. Could definitely hear the folks in green (and there are a fair few here) getting angsty.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
Scales Mound fighting back, albeit from a significant deficit.
Hornets log a defensive steal, and Hereau gets downhill for the finish and one.
Now 21-12 Gibault with 6:17 left in Q2.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
Hereau trying to play hero for the Hornets. He buckets a catch-and-shoot three on a BLOB, pulling Gibault within 21-15.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
We head to the under-4 with the score still 21-15 in favor of Gibault. Scales Mound is on an 8-0 run.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
* * *
Slavenburg finally puts an end to a lengthy scoring run for Gibault. It was 12-0.
Scales Mound has a lot of work to do, trailing 16-5.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
Now Wiegel sits with three fouls for Scales Mound, all before Q1 ends. Accidentally clipped Kanen Augustine in the face as the two crossed paths.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
Kanen Augustine responds with a three-pointer as the Q1 clock winds down.
Dominant first period for Gibault, which leads Scales Mound 19-5. Hawks shooting 70 percent from the field; Hornets at 22 percent.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
* * *
Kaden Augustine knocks down two FTs to give us the game's first points. GIbault ahead 2-0 after about 32 seconds.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
Really nice backdoor cut pass in transition from Blank, and Kesler converts for Gibault.
Scales Mound puts its first points on the board moments later via a pull-up jumper from Jacob Duerr.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
That lead balloons to 14-2 with 3:03 left in Q1.
Hot start at both ends for Gibault. Very active hands for the Hawks on defense, and very strong, sneaky passing on offense.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
* * *
Starters for Scales Mound: Max Wienen, Thomas Hereau, Jacob Duerr, Charlie Wiegel, Jonah Driscoll.
Starters for Gibault: Kaden Augustine, Kameron Hanvey, Kanen Augustine, Hudson Blank, Gavin Kesler.
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
Here come the Hornets and Hawks. pic.twitter.com/26KLe5ZrTb
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
We have another mascot sighting. Gibault's Hawk is in attendance, and is dancing up a storm. pic.twitter.com/b8klXYVIE5
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
Just going to call this the highlight of the state tournament (@IHSAddATude, @GibaultBBall). pic.twitter.com/wo1TDnyuar
— Colin Likas (@clikasNG) March 11, 2023
* * *
10:30 a.m. — Pregame for Class 1A state final between Scales Mound and Gibault
Good morning from State Farm Center, where we're preparing for the first of four IHSA boys' basketball state championship games today.
Leading off are the Scales Mound Hornets (33-5) and the Gibault Hawks (31-7), with a scheduled tip-off of 11 a.m.
Scales Mound defeated Tuscola 40-27 in Thursday's semifinal round, while Gibault handled Cornerstone 70-46 in the other semifinal.
Both programs are seeking their first-ever IHSA boys' basketball state championship. Scales Mound placed third in last season's Class 1A field, giving the Hornets their inaugural trophy on this stage. Gibault's two previous trips to state resulted in the Hawks earning one trophy, a Class A state runner-up in 1999.
