Over the past two seasons, the Kaneland varsity boys basketball program has turned consistency into dominance. After finishing last year with a 32-2 record and a conference title, the team did not slow down. Instead, they came back even stronger with a 36-1 record this season and made a deep run to the State semifinals. With a fourth consecutive first place finish in the Interstate 8, a third straight Regional championship, a second Sectional championship in a row and their first Supersectional championship since 1982, they have established themselves as one of the toughest teams in the state.
The team’s success did not happen by accident. Rather, it was built on months of hard work, strong team chemistry and the shared goal of going further than the year before. For senior Connor Kimme, one of the biggest changes when comparing the 2024-25 season to this year was the team’s style of play.
“The biggest difference was our ability to run the court,” Kimme said. “We were a lot more guard heavy this year, so we were able to push the ball fast on offense.”
The style of play wasn’t the only thing that changed this season. Senior Evan Frieders, who is a four-year varsity player and the winningest player in program history, said the team’s close relationship played just as big of a role in their success.
“I think the biggest difference is our team bonding,” Frieders said. “It made us want to win even more.”
That connection showed in the way the Knights handled adversity throughout the season. After falling short of State last year, their motivation carried over.
“Losing in that Supersectional last season, that stuck with me forever,” Frieders said. “We knew we didn’t want to be in that situation again, and we changed it.”
After falling to DePaul College Prep in the Supersectionals to end the 2024-25 season, the team knew there needed to be a change. The team’s determination was clear in big moments. A few times when the Knights gave up a lead or got down early, they could have accepted defeat, but they did the opposite.
“One step at a time, but we kept on pushing,” Frieders said.
That determination and resilience led to the Knights defeating Morton High School at the Northern Illinois University Supersectional on a game-winning shot by junior Jeffrey Hassan. Ernie Colombe, a seven-year head coach for the boys varsity team, said the success came down to the players’ commitment long before the season even began.
“It’s all about the players and finding guys who are willing to put the time in and get better,” Colombe said.
The team practices throughout June at their summer camp, in addition to playing in various summer leagues and participating in shootouts and tournaments. During the fall, they have weight lifting and conditioning each Monday through Thursday after Labor Day.
“We also play AAU and do personal training and strength training,” Kimme said. “We get together before games and put up shots.”
Many see the results on the court but don’t see the process of getting there. Colombe also pointed out the consistency over the past several years.
“People have been talking about the past two years, but we’ve either tied or broken the school record in wins the past four years,” Colombe said.
To Colombe, improvement is what truly matters. Every year, there are different players that step up and continue to develop.
“Guys just got better, which is supposed to happen,” Colombe said.
Even with high expectations, the team stayed focused on growth. Nobody saw the team staying undefeated throughout the regular season, but the players and coaches found a way in each game they played.
“It’s a credit to [the players],” Colombe said. “They put in the work.”
While the wins stand out, the relationships built off the court mean just as much.
“My favorite memories would be the times off the court,” Colombe said. “We have a pool party at my house each summer. We barbecue.”
Other players agree that, while the winning is nice, it is the relationships that really last. Now that the season has ended with third place in the state, the team hopes their success will leave a lasting impact. Kimme wants the team to be remembered as the best in Kaneland history, and he hopes to inspire upcoming Kaneland athletes. Frieders left a bit of advice for future Knights athletes.
“Put in the work like we did this past year, and just embrace your role,” Frieders said. “Just work hard, and it will show.”
