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<p>Back in 2019, I borrowed a camcorder from my film teacher to go film DePaul Prep's sectional championship game against St. Viator. At the time, it was the programs biggest game under Tom Kleinschmidt. In an upset, the Rams took down St. Viator and finished third in the 3A playoffs. My passion for sports journalism started that night.</p>
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<p>Today, I watched my alma mater, fresh off three consecutive state championships in lower classes, win yet another sectional championship. This time as a journalist, covering Kleinschmidt's squad in 4A against perennial state threat Evanston. </p>
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<p>The Rams started off hot. Defense shining in the opening quarter as they held the Wildkits to just 6 points while scoring 15 of their own. But the Evanston did not go away, cutting the lead to 5 at halftime.</p>
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<p>A big name for the Rams today was [player_tooltip player_id='2376273' first='Zion' last='Lee'], the 2026 Forward used his length and size to his advantage against a shorter Evanston squad. Coming through with some key players to keep DePaul up in the early second stages. Offensively, he converted an and-one and added a put-back score on the following possession. That translated to a block on the other end.</p>
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<p>A few minutes later, [player_tooltip player_id='1435692' first='Rykan' last='Woo'] drilled a corner 3-pointer to give the Rams their first double-digit lead of the contest. A cutting score to close out the third quarter and gave the Rams a 13-point lead heading into the final frame.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2540157' first='Vito' last='Rocca'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2531970' first='Ben' last='Ojala'] did everything they could to keep Evanston within striking distance. Both knocking down a pair of tough shots in the final frame.</p>
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<p>But it wouldn't be enough as the Rams held on to win their fifth straight sectional crown and the first in 4A. Knocking off Evanston 55-42.</p>
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Back in 2019, I borrowed a camcorder from my film teacher to go film DePaul Prep's sectional championship game against St. Viator. At the time, it was the programs biggest game under Tom Kleinschmidt. In an upset, the Rams took down St. Viator and finished third in the 3A playoffs. My passion for sports journalism started that night.
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