Transcript:
Audrey Walker: The Kaneland boys varsity basketball team ended their historic season with a loss to DePaul College Prep in the Super-Sectional playoff game, which was hosted at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates on Monday, March 10. The Knights fell to the Rams 68-28, marking only their second loss of the season and their first loss in over three months. Today, we’re going to be recapping their record-breaking season and last game.
The Knights logged an Illinois record-setting 31-game win streak, finishing with a record of 32-2 overall. Additionally, they went undefeated in the Interstate 8 conference with a perfect 10 wins, securing back-to-back conference championships. They went on to defeat Wheaton Academy to win the Regional championship, Boylan Catholic High School in the Sectional semifinal and Crystal Lake South High School to win the Sectional championship. This led them to their first Super-Sectional appearance since 1982, where they concluded their season.
Despite Kaneland’s strong fan showing, DePaul’s mechanical style stumped the Knights. By the end of the first quarter, the Rams scored 21 points while keeping the Knights to just three points, coming only from free throws by senior forward Freddy Hassan.
Freddy Hassan: I had all the free throws. It also showed how good their defense was because we couldn’t get anything other than free throws.
Walker: By the end of the second quarter, DePaul increased their lead to 42-12, seemingly gliding across the floor. By locking the Knights in corners and out of the paint, the Rams stymied any Kanland plans of using their height advantage in the paint. The Knights gained some momentum after a dunk by sophomore center Jeffrey Hassan and a 3-pointer by junior point guard Marshawn Cocroft, but the Rams held their lead after halftime.
The third quarter saw a late push led by Freddy Hassan, when he had a defensive rebound, a three-pointer and a tip-in of a Cocroft miss. However, DePaul found several openings to make baskets, bringing the score to 60-22 with a quarter to go.
Hassan: I know we were down a lot, but at that point in the game you just have to keep pushing.
Walker: Despite their best effort, the momentum from Kaneland’s record-breaking season couldn’t carry them to a Super-Sectional victory. With a final score of 68-28, DePaul Prep defeated the Knights and put an end to their dominance this season. Looking forward, the Knights will return three of their varsity starters next year. After a taste of history, the Knights are sure to come back hungrier than ever.
Hassan: I think since they got like a taste of what they could get next year, I think they’re going to work really hard to get there, hopefully even further.
