State #2 ranked and top seed Nazareth Academy (LaGrange) wins Class 4A Sectional Title in running clock over second seed North (Downers Grove) as they held junior star Campbell Thulin to 3 points!!!

Big Tim
Feb 26
2 min read

Nazareth Academy has been downstate a number of times since 2018 coming in 2nd in 3A (2018, 2022) and 4A (2024) winning title in 3A (2023). Looking to win it this year and they have the team to do it. Made this an easy night from the jump. Here we go:

Nazareth Academy (LaGrange) 53 North (Downers Grove) 26:

HINSDALE CENTRAL:

Story of the game was Nazareth's 2-3 zone defense that kept an eye on Thulin at all times. She did not help herself getting 2 early fouls in the first two minutes of the game. Picked up her third halfway through the second quarter, then her fourth and fifth in the third quarter fouling out with a minute left. Thulin shot 1/7 FG including 1/5 3PT. Nazareth led wire to wire with a 14-4 lead after first quarter, 24-10 at recess, and 39-18 at the end of three. Some early baskets in the fourth quarter established a 30 point lead and a running clock. Junior Sophia Towne hit a long three to put the running clock into play. Senior BYU commit Stella Sakalas did a little bit of everything in this game except for shoot a three. She didn't have to as this was a complete game in all phases by Nazareth. Freshman wing Mia Gage was impressive on the glass and scoring in the paint. She also jumped passing lanes for steals and breakaway layups. They led four players in double figures.

Nazareth Academy (LaGrange) ups it's record to 32-3 and advances to IHSA Class 4A Lyons Township (LaGrange) vs Waubonsie Valley (Aurora).

North (Downers Grove) ends it's season at 30-3.

Top performances:

Nazareth Academy (LaGrange):

Senior Stella Sakalas 15 points (5/6 FG, 5/6 FT) 11 rebounds (double/double) 5 assists 2 steals (BYU commit)