CHAMPAIGN, IL— Evanston’s Cinderella run to the state semifinals came to a heartbreaking end Friday night, as the Benet Redwings (33-5) handed the Kits a 56-47 defeat, putting an end to their hopes of a state title. Benet, who went on to win the 4A championship the following day against Warren (24-9), proved to be too much for Evanston, whose season-long strength—three-point shooting—was missing at the worst possible time.

The Kits, who had relied heavily on their perimeter shooting all season, struggled mightily from beyond the arc, shooting a dismal 1-for-19 from three-point range (before garbage time). Their lone made three came on a wild bank shot by Theo Rocca from the corner.

“I think this team is very unique [compared to past Evanston teams] in our shooting ability. This is one of the best shooting teams I have ever coached—probably top two,” Evanston Head Coach Mike Ellis said after the Kits’ thrilling super-sectional victory over Glenbard West.

While Benet’s defense deserves credit for contesting shots and closing out effectively, Evanston also missed their fair share of wide-open looks that could have shifted the game’s momentum.

“When you shoot like that, there’s not one single answer to the problem. [We were] rushing our shots, and we didn’t get many spray-out looks. Everything was just from the top down, and they were able to close out comfortably,” Ellis explained. “A couple [shots] were wide open that could have gone in, but the rhythm and tempo of the shots weren’t there. When you’re not making shots and turning the ball over, that is a mountain to climb.”

Evanston scored the game’s first basket, but Benet quickly responded and never let ETHS have the lead again. Despite trailing for nearly the entire night, Evanston showed flashes of resilience, cutting the deficit to two points late in the third quarter.

“We did a good job of turning down some good looks and getting to the basket—I think that’s how we got back into the game. We just abandoned forcing threes and got to the paint, got some inside scoring,” Ellis said.

But just as Evanston seemed to be clawing back into the game, Benet’s senior guard Blake Fagbemi took over. Fagbemi, an all-area player, scored consecutive baskets, knocked down two free throws, and then found teammate Daniel Pauliukonis for a crucial three-pointer that made the Benet student section erupt.

“I was just playing basketball. My teammates were getting me open, so I just took what the defense gave me,” said Fagbemi.

Heading into the fourth quarter, Evanston trailed by just five points, but Benet delivered the nail in the coffin with a 22-5 run to open the final frame. The Redwings’ athleticism and transition game overwhelmed the Kits, who struggled to keep pace throughout the night.

Ellis eventually subbed in the reserves, and the new lineup sparked a late rally, with sophomore Dion Lane hitting a pair of threes. However, the effort was too little too late, as Benet secured the 56-47 victory and advanced to the state finals.

Pauliukonis, a Southern Illinois commit, and Fagbemi were the stars of the night for Benet. Fagbemi flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 10 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds, while Pauliukonis led the team with 11 points. Seven-footer Colin Stack was also impactful for the Redwings, adding 9 points and 4 rebounds.

For Evanston, Rocca led the way with a game-high 13 points and also tallied 5 rebounds, while Richardson contributed 12 points and 4 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Kits couldn’t overcome their massive shooting woes.

“We don’t feel like we put our best product out on the floor tonight, and a lot of that has to do with the talent and the effort that Benet played with. [Benet Head Coach] Gene [Heidkamp] does a great job. He had his players ready to play tonight. I wish I could say the same for us,” Ellis said in his opening comments postgame. “I think a key to the game was we were never able to generate momentum offensively.”

The loss sent Evanston to the third-place game, where they faced Rich, a team coming off a semifinal loss to Warren. In a super close game that featured seven lead changes, the Kits were able to find a way.

Rich made a late push in the fourth quarter and was able to force overtime. Early in overtime, freshman Ben Ojala hit a three-pointer that gave the Kits the lead for good, and they held on for a thrilling 71-70 victory. Rocca led the way with 18 points, followed by Richardson with 17 and Ojala with 10.

“We knew it was going to be a battle. I’m really proud of how everyone on our team fought this game and how we never gave up through the ups and downs and the stretches and the runs,” Rocca said after his final game in an Evanston uniform.

The win capped off a remarkable season for the Kits, who finished 31-6 overall, 9-1 in the conference, and secured third place in the state. What made their accomplishments even more impressive was the fact that they achieved so much without a single player on the roster committed to playing Division I basketball next year.

“To see them have this type of success and make a run all the way to [State] going up against teams with players that have scholarship offers—it just shows their willingness to compete and their love for each other,” Ellis said. “What I’m most proud of with this group is their ability to take the winning mindset and attitude and apply it to the sport they love. That’s a beautiful thing.”

This Evanston team will be remembered not only for exceeding preseason expectations but also for their fight all season long.

For The Evanstonian sports staff, it was an honor to cover this team all season long.