IHSA Boys Basketball Class 3A Semifinals!!!!!!

First State Finals in 3 years produced some interesting games and results. An upset in Class 3A to most people. Here we go:

Sacred Heart Griffin(Springfield) 50 #25 St Ignatius College Prep(Chicago) 39: This one was not a surprised as Sacred Heart Griffin has been one of the top teams in the state all year along. They were led as usual by junior forward Zack Hawkinson(6’5”) with a double/double of 22 points 13 rebounds on 2 for 2 from three and kept Ignatius from making runs all day. Junior guard Jake Hamilton(6’3”) had 15 points though he only shot 5 for 15 from the floor. Sacred Heart Grifin only shot 8 threes hitting three of them. They played their pace and took the lead for good in the third quarter. Senior guard AJ Redd led Ignatius with 14 points 6 rebounds, though he like most of his team was in foul trouble most of the night. To top it off junior guard Richard Barron(6’5”) turned his ankle and was ineffective all night. Sacred Heart Griffin advances to title game with a 34-3 record.

Metamora 50 #5 Simeon Career Academy 47: This was the upset of the day according to most(not me). I had seen Metamora at the Illinois Spot-Lite event in late September. At the time I thought “this team is very good”. Metamora went on a 9-0 run to end the game. Junior guard Ethan Kizer(6’6”) did not have the greatest of games(9 points), but hit a big three at 1:32 left to give his team the lead for good. Senior guard Jaylen Drane(6’3”)(12 points), who was in foul trouble most of the game, had a chance to tie at the buzzer but came up short. Junior guard Tyson Swanson(6’2”) led Metamora with 15 points. Sophomore

guard Tyler Mason(6’0”)had 10 points 3 rebounds 3 assists. Senior Zack Schroeder had 8 points 9 rebounds. Junior guard Jalen Griffith(5’9) tied Drane for high with 12 points for Simeon. Metamora advances to title game with a 30-6 record.

St Ignatius College Prep won third place game 61-59 over Simeon Career Academy as senior Air Force commit Kolby Gilles(6’5”) had 25 points 7 rebounds, and senior AJ Redd had 16 points 5 rebounds. Junior forward Miles Rubin(6’9”) had 16 points 8 rebounds, senior guard Jaylen Drane had 13 points.