At the beginning of the season, it was clear this team had something special, but the dominance displayed by the Wildkits throughout the postseason has been incredible. As this talented squad cuts down more and more nets, one has to wonder: Will they ever be stopped?
On Friday, the Wildkits (29-5) continued their impressive run in the sectional finals against a fierce Loyola team (26-9). Evanston fans came out in droves, packing the New Trier gym with students, staff, and parents who radiated energy and support for their beloved team.
“It’s great to see the community come out and support the program. It really makes me excited,” said senior guard Theo Rocca.
From the opening tip, it was clear this game would be a defensive battle. Loyola, known for its tough football program, brought the same physicality and aggression to the basketball court. Every play was a grind, but the Wildkits matched them step for step.
“They were physical; they’re a bunch of football players, so we wanted to deny the ball and bring the pressure,” said senior center George Richardson.
Despite a close, low-scoring first half, Evanston managed to pull away in the third and fourth quarters, ultimately securing a 48-32 victory.
Evanston came out strong, with Theo Rocca scoring the first six points to give the Kits an early 6-0 lead. However, as the quarter progressed, Loyola’s defense locked in, figuring out how to stifle the Wildkits’ offense. Both teams struggled to score, with turnovers piling up on both sides. Evanston’s shooting woes were evident, as they failed to score for the remainder of the quarter, finishing with a dismal 27.2% shooting from the field. Loyola capitalized on the slump, tying the game 6-6 at the end of the first.
In the second quarter, Evanston continued to face challenges from Loyola’s tough defense. The Ramblers’ physicality disrupted the Kits’ offensive rhythm, making even simple passes feel hard-earned. Still, Evanston’s defense held firm, bailing the team out repeatedly. Freshman Ben Ojala and sophomore Tate Schroeder provided much-needed offensive sparks, each hitting a three-pointer. By halftime, the Wildkits held a slim 19-15 lead—their narrowest margin all postseason.
The second half marked a turning point. Evanston’s third quarter was their best, outscoring Loyola by ten points. Theo Rocca set the tone with a strong layup and a foul, followed by a layup from sophomore Vito Rocca, assisted by Richardson. The momentum shifted entirely after a standout hustle play by senior Kaidan Chatham—after poking the ball loose, Chatham dove to the floor, recovered the ball, and fired it ahead to Vito Rocca for an open transition layup. The crowd erupted as Loyola called a timeout, and the energy in the gym was palpable.
Now leading 36-22, Evanston carried their confidence into the fourth quarter. Loyola appeared outmatched and fatigued, while the Wildkits’ depth allowed them to maintain their intensity. Evanston’s bench contributed 11 points, compared to zero from Loyola’s reserves, sealing the 48-32 win.
Next up for Evanston is a highly anticipated showdown against Glenbard West, another number-one seed, for a chance to advance to the final four at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. With both teams boasting strong seasons and rosters full of talent, this game promises to be a thrilling battle for a spot in the state semifinals.
