After every week of sectionals that left loads of gifted groups on the surface wanting in, solely 16 groups stay within the IHSA Class 3A and 4A state playoffs. The supersectionals, that includes a number of intriguing matchups, are Monday. Listed here are two of probably the most fascinating:
4A: Loyola vs. Huntley, 6 p.m. at Warren
In a little bit of function reversal, Loyola shouldn’t be the undefeated staff within the state playoffs because it was in final season’s title run. Loyola is 71-2 over the past two seasons, a very outstanding run of success. Led by Aubrey Galvan, the Ramblers are nonetheless a staff that is aware of how you can make groups play on the tempo they need.
Galvan had a 23-point third quarter towards Maine South that prolonged a two-point halftime edge into a cushty 18-point lead.
Unbeaten Huntley enters the sport on a excessive after knocking off Libertyville 63-50 to win its first sectional championship since 2016. Junior guard Aubrina Adamik scored a game-high 20 factors in its win.
Capturing threes is the secret for Huntley. They like to hoist three-pointers — additionally a Loyola specialty — they usually made seven within the first half towards Libertyville. It needs to be a compelli matchup between two groups who play comparable kinds.
4A: Alton vs. Waubonsie Valley,
7 p.m. at Illinois Wesleyan
This sport is a rematch of final yr’s sectional closing, which Waubonsie Valley received 55-53.
Alton enters this sport after beating Pekin regardless of its two greatest gamers — seniors Jarius Powers and Kiyoko Proctor — battling the flu. How they get better will probably be key.
The Redbirds haven’t misplaced to an in-state staff all season. They virtually misplaced to Fremd earlier this season however ended up successful in a three-overtime thriller. They’re battle-tested and needs to be prepared for the second.
However the Warriors, who’ve received 21 consecutive video games, are a formidable opponent. They beat Benet 66-61 to seize their second consecutive sectional title.
Junior guard Danyella Mporokoso is among the greatest all-around scorers within the space, able to heating up straight away. Junior Arianna Garcia-Evans is a do-it-all guard who rebounds, defends and chips in with scoring.
All-Space nominations
Coaches, please ship submissions in your gamers to be thought of for the All-Space staff to kwilliams@suntimes.com. Please embody all related data, statistics and different milestones that might assist make a case.
Notes
Nazareth junior ahead Stella Sakalas continued to impress in a 72-71 loss to Kenwood on Tuesday. Sakalas crossed the 1,000-point milestone and has developed into the most effective skills within the state no matter class.
Sakalas was dominant within the first half, scoring 16 factors to guide her staff. She knocked down threes, and the Broncos had hassle guarding her off the dribble.
υ Makenna Yeager scored 22 factors to guide Glenbard West to a 48-39 victory towards Batavia for its first sectional title since 1999.
Tremendous 25 highschool women basketball rankings for Feb. 23, 2025
With document and final week’s rating
1. Loyola (33-2) 1
Beat Maine South
2. Kenwood (32-3) 4
Performs Marist on Monday
3. Fremd (28-5) 3
Performs Glenbard West
4. Waubonsie Valley (31-1) 9
Performs Alton on Monday
5. Huntley (35-0) 12
Performs Loyola on Monday
6. Nazareth (31-3) 2
Misplaced to Kenwood
7. St. Ignatius (30-4) 8
Performs Marian Catholic on Monday
8. Younger (25-9) 7
Misplaced to Kenwood
9. Benet (29-3) 5
Misplaced to Waubonsie Valley
10. Marist (26-8) 18
Miracle season continues
11. Glenbard West (23-12) (NR)
Beat Batavia and St. Charles East
12. Prospect (27-8) 11
Misplaced to Fremd
13. Libertyville (28-6) 10
Misplaced to Huntley
14. Maine South (25-10) 16
Misplaced to Loyola
15. Lake Zurich (24-8) 15
Misplaced to Huntley
16. Montini (24-10) NR
Received back-to-back sectional championships
17. St. Charles East (26-7) 13
Misplaced to Glenbard West
18. Glenbrook South (24-10) 14
Misplaced to Maine South
19. Lincoln-Manner West (23-12) NR
Misplaced to Marist
20. Lockport (28-5) 19
Misplaced to Lincoln-Manner West.
21. Marian Catholic (27-8) 23
Beat Windfall
22. Batavia (24-10) 22
Misplaced to Glenbard West
23. Phillips (25-9) NR
Performs Crane on Monday.
24. Hinsdale Central (23-8) 24
Season over
25. Windfall (23-12) 20
Misplaced to Marian Catholic
