A young Kits team with only two seniors was seeking to reach the sectionals for the first time since the 2021-2022 season. In addition to not having players with playoff experience, Evanston would be entering the postseason with a below-.500 win percentage, finishing 11-20 overall and 3-7 in conference play.
However, regular season records do impact seeding but don’t change the fact that the Kits were in the postseason. So, Evanston made the most of their first opportunity, defeating Taft in the regional semifinals, 53-36. The Kits kept their playoff hopes alive and would advance to the regional championship, where they would match up against Loyola Academy—the 2024 IHSA 4A State champions. Evanston’s postseason dance would be interrupted and discontinued by the Ramblers, who beat them 60-26 in Beardsley Gym.
“Coach Johnson was giving us energy throughout the week. We really listened to her because we wanted to win this game. We all felt like we had nothing to lose and wanted to play for each other,” said sophomore guard Payton King.
Despite Evanston’s mindset prior to tipoff, the Ramblers had other plans: domination. The No. 5-ranked Loyola team constantly pressured the Kits, overwhelming them on both sides of the court.
“I think the moment got a little too big for some of our young kids, and that’s a state championship team,” said Head Coach Brittanny Johnson. “They won state last year, and their experience stepped up in the end.”
First Quarter
Early on in the game, experience didn’t play a role in Evanston’s performance. As soon as the first whistle blew, Evanston freshman guard Charity Bryant knocked down a three-pointer to get the Kits on the board first. Evanston sustained their shot-making throughout the first quarter, and a positive outcome for the Kits seemed promising at the time. However, despite the Kits’ solid start, Loyola managed to stay one step ahead, offensively and defensively. The first quarter ended with the Ramblers leading 15-9.
Second Quarter
The second quarter began, and following right behind it was a struggle for the Kits. After a Bryant three at the seven-minute mark that cut the deficit to three, the Kits failed to score for six minutes. Evanston displayed relentless defense, but it would take something more than just relentlessness to compete against this Loyola team. The Ramblers built a 24-13 lead at the half.
“I thought in the first half we played them well. Towards the end of the first half, we just went cold from the floor,” said Johnson.
Third Quarter
Evanston’s offensive struggles resumed in the third quarter, and Loyola’s offense took advantage of their errors, going on a 12-0 scoring run to start the quarter—led by Vanderbilt commit, senior guard Aubrey Galvan. With the help of Loyola’s suffocating defense, Evanston went on another long scoring drought.
Fourth Quarter
As the game began to slip further away from the Kits, a running clock was put in place, finalizing the game with the Ramblers up by 34.
“I’m still proud of my young team,” said Johnson. “I thought they battled, but they gave up a little bit at the end. At that moment, it’s understandable considering the situation.”
Postseason reflections
This loss marks the end of the 2024-2025 season, a year filled with highs and lows for the Kits. Nevertheless, the Kits played with heart and didn’t give up until the final whistle blew.
“The main takeaway that the team is going to take from this season is that we can never doubt ourselves,” said King.
This season didn’t go as Evanston had planned, but bonds and culture were built throughout the year, creating something truly special.
“They grew into a team over the course of the season,” remarked Johnson. “They grew to really support each other and stand by each other, and I think friendships that were made this season will continue forever.”
There is a sense of optimism around the program. All but two seniors will return for next season, and the young core will build on experience and continue to improve.
“Next season starts today, and there’s going to be a lot of improvement,” said King. “You guys are going to see something different from Evanston basketball.”
