The IHSA State Tournament opens today at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
The day begins with the 1a semifinal at 9:30 featuring the St Anthony Bulldogs against the Hope Academy Eagles. The Dawgs are 32-4 on the year under coach Cody Rincker who has a 12 year record at St Anthony of 284-95. He won a state title back in 2017. It’s the school’s 7th trip to state after beating Mounds Meridian to win the EIU Super Sectional. They are led by Ryan Schmidt, the school’s all time leading boys scorer, who averages over 18 points and Brock Fearday is at 16 per game.
They take on the Eagles who are 26-7 out of the Chicagoland Christian Conference. They are coached by Ronnie Fields in his 2nd year with the school. They finished 3rd last year. They beat LeRoy to win the ISU Super Sectional.
The 2nd semifinal is at 11:15 between Peoria Christian and Lanark Eastland.
Belleville Althoff will open up the 2a semifinals at 2pm against Christ the King. The Crusaders are 30-5 under longtime coach Greg Leib who is in his 18th year with the program. They beat TTown to win the SIU Super Sectional as the school is making its 4th trip to state. The only state championship they won was under Coach Lieb in 2016. He also led the team to a 2nd place finish in 2015.
They take on the 26-9 Gladiators out of the Chicagoland Christian Conference. Coach Troy Caldwell is in his 7th year with CTC as they make their first ever trip to state.
The 2nd semifinal is at 3:45 between Dyett Academy and Peoria Manual.
The 3a semifinals are at 6:30 with Brother Rice and St Patrick followed by DePaul College Prep and Chatham Glenwood at 8:15.
The 4a schools get underway tomorrow night with Lisle Benet Academy taking on Evanston at 6pm and Rich Township follows with their game against Warren Gurnee.
