Wendell Phillips Academy (Chicago) came in as the favorite in Class 2A. It took them some time to get used to the big arena as their shots were not falling early. A big third quarter for the second game in a row carried them to the title game. They did allow Williamsville back within 1 in the last 30 seconds but came away with the win.
#18 Wendell Phillips Academy (Chicago) 60 Williamsville 56: Neither team shot well early but picked it up in second half. Phillips led 14-12 after one quarter, and 24-23 at the half. Phillips came out in the third quarter and got some steals and layups along with some three pointers. Senior Michael White came up lame in the third quarter with an ankle injury but came back to the bench. They outscored Williamsville 21-15 in the third quarter to lead 45-38. They kept a steady lead in the fourth quarter and led 54-47 with about 3 minutes left. Williamsville would not quit. Led by junior Brayden Sailing they went on a 9-4 run and cut the lead to 1 in the last minute at 55-54. Senior Elijah Harris who had not played in a couple of games, missed two free throws, but got a key steal with about 30 seconds left, scored and was fouled to go up 58-54. Missed the and one, Williamsville drove down and scored, called timeout with 8 seconds left. Wendell Phillips was inbounding the ball under Williamsville's basket. Phillips decided to go long, hit Horton in stride and he finished the game with an emphatic two handed dunk for the final margin. Phillips goes to the title game starting three juniors and a sophomore. They will play Benton with a 24-9 record. Williamsville goes to the third place game against Byron with a 26-10 record.
Top performers for Wendell Phillips Academy:
Phoenix Childs, 6'4" junior wing: Second big time game in a row scoring with efficiency. Stat line was 21 points (8/11 FG, 2/3 from three) 4 rebounds 2 steals and 1 block.
EJ Horton, 6'2" junior guard: Transfer from Bartow, Florida almost put up a triple double but ended up with a double/double. Stat line: 13 points 10 rebounds 7 assists 2 steals and 1 block.
Claude Mpouma, 6'6" sophomore forward: He was getting put in pick and roll early but adjusted and played it well in the second half. Stat line: 12 points 4 rebounds 3 assists and 1 block.
Top performers for Williamsville:
Brayden Sailing, 5'11" junior guard: Kept his team in the game with his offense. Stat line:
21 points and 2 rebounds.
Carson Kohler, 6'4" senior forward: Stat line: 15 points 8 rebounds 6 assists and 2 steals.
Brecken Thomas, 6'2" senior guard: Stat line: 11 points 3 rebounds 3 assists and 2 steals.