State Finals: 1A and 2A Championship Notebook
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Championship Saturday kicked off in Champaign with a 1A Title game between West Central and Mounds Meridian followed by a highly anticipated contest in 2A matching up Benton and Phillips. PHI dives into what we saw from a prospect standpoint…
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Continue ReadingChampionship Saturday kicked off in Champaign with a 1A Title game between West Central and Mounds Meridian followed by a highly anticipated contest in 2A matching up Benton and Phillips. PHI dives into what we saw from a prospect standpoint in State Finals: 1A and 2A Championship Games Notebook!
West Central Senior Duo Carries Team to 1A Crown
This one wasn’t in much doubt as West Central completely controlled it from start to finish. They defeated Mounds Meridian to win the 1A championship by a final of 62-43. Zack Evans Zack Evans 6'2" | SG West Central | 2024 State IL was fantastic for West Central being the catalyst as the all-state selection was at his best getting downhill for scores including several explosive takes in the half court. Crisp and creative hand. Rebounded very well and finished through contact for 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists. Chance Little Chance Little 6'4" | PF West Central | 2024 State IL also continued his momentum from the semis to have a big championship game with 19 points and 6 rebounds. Crafty forward lives at the foul line and scores around the hoop on post ups and slashes. Both players are going to be really nice small college gets late in the process. Mason Berry also had a rock solid performance for West Central as the senior guard made several threes and had a couple slick takes for 13 points. The senior trio goes out on top!
Meridian was in foul trouble with their stars all game. Star Antonio Flenoid Jr got it going in the second half with a dunk, toughness in the paint, and even hit a three. It was too late as his team was down a ton. Finished with 14 points. Will Thurson had a solid game hitting the boards for second chance points along with a couple slick takes for 8 points.
Phillips Brings 2A Title Back to Chicago
It has been schools like Orr and DePaul Prep that have won 2A titles for the city of Chicago. This time it was Phillips who topped Benton 54-47 to win the state championship on Saturday afternoon. There were several times it looked like Phillips would pull away, but Benton always managed to keep it within striking distance.
Phillips star junior guard EJ Horton EJ Horton 6'2" | PG Phillips | 2025 State IL had foul trouble in this one picking up his 3rd midway through the second quarter. They got a spark though from Elijah Harris scoring 7 of his 9 points in the last couple minutes of the half when Horton was on the bench. The stars would take them the rest of the way opening the second half fast. Horton started to get it going using his explosiveness attacking downhill for floaters and dunks while rebounding and dishing. Stuffed the stat sheet for 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. His running mate in the backcourt Amari Edwards Amari Edwards 5'8" | PG Phillips | 2025 State IL also had a good game notching 12 points making some key plays when they needed to be made. Phoenix Childs Phoenix Childs 6'4" | SF Phillips | 2025 State IL elevated his stock in Champaign with a strong showing including in the title game with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Sound spot up shooter that defends and rebounds. Inside Claude Mpouma Claude Mpouma 6'7" | C Phillips | 2026 State IL brought the physicality and made it tough on Benton’s star to score all night as he had 6 points and 7 rebounds.
Isaac Billington Isaac Billington 6'1" | SG Benton | 2024 State IL led the way for Benton. The senior small college gem attempted to carry his team in this one. Array of jumpers and got to the rack for nifty finishes in the paint. He had 19 points in the loss. Junior big man Docker Tedeschi Docker Tedeschi 6'8" | PF Benton | 2025 State IL didn’t score his usual average, but was still effective in a number of areas. His rebounding and passing were on full display as it was clear Phillips was not going to let him beat them with his scoring. Also impacted defensively at the rim. He had 7 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals in the loss.