State Finals: 3A Semi Finals Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHI will have wall to wall coverage of the IHSA State Finals in Champaign.&nbsp; Thursday the day concluded with the 3A semis.&nbsp; We dive into the games to see what prospects shined and who will be advancing to the state championship game on Saturday.&nbsp; Here is our <strong>State Finals: 3A Semis Notebook</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brother Rice Moves On over St. Patrick with Massive 4^th Quarter</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It looked like St. Patrick was going to take a lead into the fourth quarter as they were leading by one with a few seconds left.&nbsp; Then Brother Rice sharp shooter [player_tooltip player_id='2538898' first='Jack' last='Weigus'] got a look and drilled it as the clock expired to put the Crusaders up 33-31 heading into the final quarter.&nbsp; That would be the start of a 16-0 run that ended the ball game as Brother Rice went on to win 48-33.&nbsp; Weigus was lights out from the perimeter pouring in five triples in the win.&nbsp; Such a clean looking shot off the catch and can almost side jump his way into rhythm threes on his own.&nbsp; Finished with 15 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='1545120' first='Marcos' last='Gonzales'] is their top prospect at The Citadel commit did a little bit of everything in this game.&nbsp; He is a sound perimeter shot maker, good driver off the bounce for slick takes, and a nifty passer being able to get others involved as a secondary playmaker.&nbsp; He had 11 points (4-8 FG) and 5 dimes.&nbsp; Always enjoy watching [player_tooltip player_id='1766504' first='Caden' last='Workman'] play.&nbsp; Productive four man that goes about his business in a “workman like” way.&nbsp; Gets on the offensive glass for put backs and seals well.&nbsp; Also plays good post defense and has mobility as he had 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Patrick star [player_tooltip player_id='1385287' first='EJ' last='Breland'] took a little while to get going in this one.&nbsp; He looked like he was going to take over with a strong stretch in the third quarter where he jab stepped then banged in a three, shot fake into an assist, and then dropped in a mid-range jumper.&nbsp; Pittsburg State commit never fully got it going though finishing with 7 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='1469251' first='Cooper' last='Kavanaugh'] had a nice outing for St. Patrick.&nbsp; The 6'2” senior guard is a sound perimeter shot maker that can play both on and off the ball.&nbsp; Flashed some smooth handles being able to get in the lane for scores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DePaul Prep Wins Low Scoring Defensive Battle vs Glenwood Behind 2026s Class</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one was the definition of a low scoring game.&nbsp; Tied 5-5 after first quarter.&nbsp; 12-8 at the half.&nbsp; It was expected to be this style of game with the defense of both teams.&nbsp; DePaul Prep topped Chatham Glenwood 39-25.&nbsp; It was all about defense and [player_tooltip player_id='1845360' first='Rashaun' last='Porter'] for the Rams.&nbsp; DePaul Prep 2026 power forward [player_tooltip player_id='1845360' first='Rashaun' last='Porter'] is one of the premier posts in the junior class.&nbsp; He was physical and went to work against the Glenwood defense inside.&nbsp; Tough and athletic around the hoop.&nbsp; Mobile in the pick/roll, finishes on slips, explosive slams out of the dunker spot.&nbsp; He had 17 points (8-9 FG).&nbsp; Fellow junior [player_tooltip player_id='1435692' first='Rykan' last='Woo'] was the catalyst of their defense with his ability to put pressure on the ball at the point getting steals and turning them into points on the other end.&nbsp; He is so quick with his hands.&nbsp; Excellent handles, moves well off the ball for scores, and made a plethora of free throws down the stretch which sealed the win.&nbsp; Finished with 12 points (2-12 FG), 6 rebounds, 5 dimes, and 4 steals.&nbsp; Their team defense was outstanding as always, but seems to go to a different level at state.&nbsp; They play disciplined and team oriented defense never giving in one bit.&nbsp; Like the 2026 prospects above another big contributor was [player_tooltip player_id='2323334' first='AJ' last='Chambers'].&nbsp; He only scored 3 points, but dished the rock for 4 dimes, grabbed 4 rebounds from his guard spot, and swiped 3 steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chatham Glenwood started off the game with a punch as their star [player_tooltip player_id='2815576' first='Cameron' last='Appenzeller'] threw down a big lefty dunk to start the game.&nbsp; The athleticism really pops for the nation's top lefty starting pitching prospect.&nbsp; Also knocked in a three as he had 8 points (3-12 FG).&nbsp; Their big man [player_tooltip player_id='2538879' first='Mason' last='Neumann'] hit a three on his way to 5 points (1-5 FG) while reeling in 7 boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->