Lawrenceville’s remarkable run over the past two seasons has been fueled by a talented senior class, and one of its leaders is set to continue his basketball career at the collegiate level.
Lawrenceville graduate Zander Cessna has announced his commitment to Lincoln Trail College, where he will continue his academic and athletic career with the Statesmen.
The 6-foot guard developed into one of the top backcourt players in Class 1A during his time with the Indians. Cessna was a key piece of a Lawrenceville squad that spent much of the 2025-26 season ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 1A before finishing with an outstanding 35-3 record and advancing to the IHSA Final Four.
Known for his steady playmaking, defensive intensity and ability to score from all three levels, Cessna averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game as a senior. He finished the season with 476 points, 130 assists and 82 steals while shooting 42 percent from the field, helping direct one of the state’s most balanced and successful offenses.
His outstanding senior campaign also earned statewide recognition, as Cessna was selected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Class 1A Second Team All-State squad. He joined teammate Jayden Goff, who earned First Team honors, in giving Lawrenceville one of the state’s top one-two punches.
Cessna’s impact extended well beyond the stat sheet. A true floor general, he consistently made winning plays, knocked down timely shots and embraced the challenge of guarding the opposition’s top perimeter players. His leadership helped Lawrenceville become one of the premier small-school programs in Illinois.
Now, that next chapter begins at Lincoln Trail College, where Cessna will look to make an immediate impact while continuing the success that made him one of the standout guards in southern Illinois.
