Mission Accomplished: Providence Catholic advances to state cheer finals

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

A member of the Providence Catholic cheer team floats through the air on a tumbling run at the IHSA Competitive Cheerleading State Finals during Friday's prelims.

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BLOOMINGTON - After a disappointing performance in 2024, when the team failed to make the finals, Providence Catholic is back where it belongs—in the running for a state cheerleading title. The Celtics are due for another top-three finish.

"We have been on a mission moving on to day two that started 372 days ago," said three-year head coach Bridget Fox after learning the Celtics advanced to Saturday's title round at the 2024-25 IHSA Competitive Cheerleading State Finals. "We have seven seniors who have felt loss and triumph. They were really determined to make it this year."

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Celtic cheerleaders deliver fierce performance at state. The squad looks to impress judges again to bring home state hardware.

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Friday morning, before thousands of competitive dance fans and their peers, the Celtics delivered an impressive performance. The message they sent to the other teams was clear: If you are going to beat us this year, you are going to have to be close to perfect.

Providence Catholic finished the preliminary round in third place after a strong performance in the Medium School division. Earning a score of 94.21, the Celtics cheer squad missed the top spot by 0.29 of a point. Grayslake Central finished the day as the division leader with a 94.50, and Oak Forest landed in second place with a 94.26.

The Providence Catholic cheerleading team has qualified for 17 IHSA Competitive Cheerleading State Finals in the past 20 years. Today at Grossinger Motors Arena, the Celtics claimed their 11th top-10 appearance in the state series.

The program has won one title (2013) and brought home two second-place (2007, 2016) and two third-place (2011-14) trophies.

This year's squad includes Annie Smith, Ava Chevalier, Caleigh Cumbee, Elissa Haddad, Emma Jirik, Fiona Warner, Grace Ogarek, Hayden Kinsella, Isabella Alejo, Kailey Velasco, Katelyn Walker, Lauren Lanz, Lilly Dillman, Lily Ingram, Lucy Lombardo, Madison Ternik, Mia Zvejnieks, Mia Piano, Payton Jerik, Reese Guzior, Rowan Tone, Sofia Felice, Violet Hassan and Zoey Xydakis.

Tickets for Saturday's finals competition are $12 at the door and can be purchased in advance online via TicketMaster or by phone at the City Box Office at (309) 434-2777.

Schedule for Saturday

Small & Medium School Competition

10:00 a.m. - Doors of the arena open to public
10:55 a.m. - Welcome & National Anthem
11:00 a.m. - Small and Medium Team Finals
(Small and Medium team performances alternate)
12:45 p.m. - Small Team Awards
1:15 p.m. - Medium Team Awards

Top ten teams advancing to Saturday's Finals

1 - Grayslake Central 94.50
2 - Oak Forest 94.26
3 - Providence Catholic 94.21
4 - Morris 93.88
5 - Cary-Grove 91.68
6 - Benet Academy 91.19
9 - Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge 90.20
10 - Lemont 89.79

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The field for the Class 1A Dance State Finals set, The state's top programs ready to showcase their talent

Joliet Catholic Academy dance team competes during the preliminary round at the 2024 IHSA Competitive State Dance Finals. The Angels return to state this weekend for another shot at an elusive state crown.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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BLOOMINGTON — Thirty of Illinois’ top small-school dance programs will take center stage this Friday at Grossinger Motors Arena for the 2025 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Competitive Dance State Finals. These elite teams earned their spots through five sectionals held across the state, and they now set their sights on bringing back a state trophy to their school.

With high energy, intense competition, and a legacy of excellence on the line, the 2025 IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals promise to deliver another thrilling chapter in Illinois high school dance history.

The road to Bloomington was anything but easy, with each sectional producing standout performances. Jacksonville and Highland took home sectional titles at St. Anthony High School in Effingham, while Morris edged out Providence Catholic and Joliet Catholic Academy to claim top honors at the Mahomet-Seymour sectional. Evergreen Park narrowly defeated Nazareth Academy at Maine East, posting an 85.17 to Nazareth’s 84.33. Montini secured its ticket to state with a razor-thin .73-point victory over Sycamore at the Sycamore sectional.

Members of the Morris Varsity Poms perform their show routine at the 2024 state finals prelims on the way to a second place trophy a day later at Grossinger Motor Arena.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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Familiar Faces Return to the Finals

Fans attending this weekend’s competition will recognize several programs from last year’s Class 1A state finals, as all ten 2024 finalists are back in the mix. The list includes defending champion Jacksonville, as well as Morris, Providence Catholic, Carmel, Nazareth Academy, Marion, Sycamore, Highland, Clinton, Glenbard South, and St. Viator.

Last year, Jacksonville dazzled the judges with an expressive lyrical routine in the finals, overcoming an initial third-place finish in the preliminary round to secure its second consecutive state title with a score of 90.70. Morris, which finished as runner-up (89.96), will be looking to close the gap this year, while Carmel (89.44), Joliet Catholic Academy (89.01), and Providence Catholic (88.52) round out last year’s top five.

Dancers from Jacksonville perform during the Friday's prelim on last January. The J'ettes went on to win the Class 1A state title.

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Jacksonville’s J’ettes return with hopes of making it three straight championships. Their winning performance last year, set to a lyrical routine in flowing light taupe dancewear, captivated judges with its artistry and emotional depth. Morris, known for its powerful, athletic modern dance style, will try to breakthrough after back-to-back runner-up finishes. Carmel, which wowed fans with an energetic modern dance routine from their 13-member troupe last year, also returns to contend for the title.

A High-Stakes Competition Awaits

With a field packed with talented, seasoned programs, this year’s finals promise to be as competitive as ever. While perennial powerhouses Jacksonville and Morris enter as favorites, teams such as Joliet Catholic Academy, Providence Catholic, and Nazareth Academy have worked hard to improve to improve their precision, musicality, and overall execution, to finish in one of the top three spots.

Event Schedule and Ticket Information

The Class 1A competition kicks off Friday morning, with doors opening at 9:15 a.m. The first performance is set for 10:15 a.m., with the final routine scheduled for 2:21 p.m. The top teams from the preliminary round will advance to Saturday’s finals, with finalists announced at 2:40 p.m.

Providence Catholic dancers execute a stunt in their preliminary round performance. The Dancing Celtic return the state finals looking to improve on their 5th place finish in 2024.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Fans eager to witness the state’s best high school dance teams in action can purchase tickets for $12 per person. Digital tickets are available for purchase online or by calling the City Box Office at 309-434-2777.

Attendees should be aware that Grossinger Motors Arena enforces a clear bag policy. All bags, purses, and personal items will be subject to search upon entry. If an item is prohibited or too large, guests must return it to their vehicle or surrender it at the entrance, as the venue does not provide storage for oversized items.

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Providence Catholic leads Class 2A prelims at IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals

Members of the Providence Catholic dance team strike their finale pose at the 2025 IHSA Competitive Dance State Finalson Friday. The Dancing Celtics finished the first day of competition as the Class 2A leaders.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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BLOOMINGTON - Providence Catholic danced its way to the top of the Class 2A preliminary standings at the IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals on Friday, posting a 93.56 score to lead the field at Grossinger Motors Arena.

The Dancing Celtics, who placed fifth in last year’s finals, improved upon their 2024 preliminary standing by one spot and will look to claim the program’s first state title in Saturday’s championship round.

Morris secured the No. 2 position for the second straight year, earning a 92.34 score with their polished routine. Jacksonville, the reigning state champion, followed closely behind in third at 91.12, setting up a potential battle for the podium among the top three.

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Performing a hip hop routine, the Morris Varsity Dance team finished this year's state prelims in second place.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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A tight race for the remaining top-five spots saw Montini (89.36), Carmel (89.30) and Highland (89.26) separated by less than a tenth of a point, underscoring the level of competition heading into the final round.

Evergreen Park (88.14), Marion (87.32), Joliet Catholic Academy (87.00), Nazareth Academy (86.84), Sycamore (86.00) and Clinton (85.18) rounded out the 12-team field advancing to Saturday's final.

With four of last year’s top five teams once again among the top performers, the 2025 championship showdown will feature familiar contenders at this year's state championships.

2025 Class 2A Preliminary Standings:

1. Providence Catholic – 93.56
2. Morris – 92.34
3. Jacksonville – 91.12
4. Montini – 89.36
5. Carmel – 89.30
6. Highland – 89.26
7. Evergreen Park – 88.14
8. Marion – 87.32
9. Joliet Catholic Academy – 87.00
10. Nazareth Academy – 86.84
11. Sycamore – 86.00
12. Clinton – 85.18

The Class 2A championship round begins Saturday morning.

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Top Class 3A girls basketball players honored by the IBCA

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BEDFORD PARK - The Illlinois Basketball Coaches Association released this year's Class 3A all-state team selections on Friday. Here is the complete list of honorees from around the state:

FIRST TEAM
(FIRST NAME LAST NAME, SCHOOL, YEAR)

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Mia Bergstrom, (Arlington Heights) Saint Viator, 12;
Tessa Crawford, (Jerseyville) Jersey Community, 12;
Addy Engel, Morton, 12;
Kloe Froebe, Lincoln Community, 12;
Mia Gaines, (Chicago) Hyde Park Academy, 12;
Aailiyah Guyton, Peoria Central, 12;
Nikki Kerstein, (Lombard) Montini Catholic, 11;
Kiarra Kilgore, Galesburg, 12;
Lauren Miller, (River Forest) Trinity, 12;
Xamiya Walton, (Chicago) Butler College Prep, 12

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SECOND TEAM
(FIRST NAME LAST NAME, SCHOOL, YEAR)

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Lexi Carlsen, Sycamore, 12;
Madison Davis, (Chicago Heights) Marian Catholic, 12;
Lily Esparza, (Rockford) Boylan Catholic, 12;
Amerie Flowers, Hinsdale South, 12;
Marisa Gant, Springfield Southeast, 12;
Katie Hamill, Crystal Lake Central, 12;
Becca Heitzig, Lincoln Community, 12;
Madison Hoffmann, Grayslake Central, 11;
Victoria Matulevicius, (Lombard) Montini Catholic, 12;
Kamryn Porter, (Chicago) De La Salle , 12

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THIRD TEAM
(FIRST NAME LAST NAME, SCHOOL, YEAR)

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Sereniti Adams, (Chicago) Butler College Prep, 12;
Denver Anderson, Mt. Zion, 12;
Calee Biedron, (Chicago) Resurrection, 12;
Jazmyne Bynum, (Chicago) Hyde Park Academy, 12;
Serenity Curry, (Chicago) Baker College Prep, 12;
Jamilah Jackson, (Chicago) Westinghouse College Prep, 11;
Amelia Lavorato, Hinsdale South, 12;
Alexis Neumann, (Chatham) Glenwood, 10;
Reganne Reardon, (Chicago) Saint Ignatius College Prep , 11;
Jalea Shered, Centralia, 12;
Julia Sollberger, Dunlap, 12;
Sage Stratton, (Quincy) Notre Dame, 11;
Addison Tarr, Taylorville , 11;
Larissa Taylor, Highland, 12;
Avery Tibbs, Washington Community, 10;
London Walker-George, (Chicago) DePaul College Prep, 11;
Makenna Yeager, (Chatham) Glenwood, 12

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HONORABLE MENTION
(FIRST NAME LAST NAME, SCHOOL, YEAR)

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Madison Austin, Sterling, 11; Taylor Bolton, (Chicago Heights) Marian Catholic, 11; Kendra Brown, (Maple Park) Kaneland, 11; Landrie Callahan, Morris Community High School, 10; Alyssa Epps, (Lombard) Montini Catholic, 12; Mazie Fleming, Taylorville, 11; Zaria Goins, (River Forest) Trinity, 10; Kamryn Heider, (Peoria) Richwoods, 12; Nikkel Johnson, (Kankakee) Senior, 12; Tiara Johnson, Mt Vernon Township, 12; Molly Knight, (New Lenox) Providence Catholic, 11; Grace Lee, (Chicago) DePaul College Prep, 10; Audrey Mahoney, (Chicago) St. Ignatius, 12; Emily Maple, Mattoon, 12; Alyssa Martin, Effingham, 10; Bailey Masching, Pontiac Township, 12; Monroe McGhee, Sycamore, 12; Kylie Moeller, East Peoria, 11; Emma Pierson, Belvidere, 11; Kamaree Pollard, Mt. Vernon Township, 11; Danielle Ruffin, Peoria Central, 12; Emma Scheffler, Springfield, 12; TaLeah Turner, (Kankakee) Senior, 11; Ellie VanMeenen, Morton (IL), 11; Jasaiyah Wallace, Centralia, 11; Xyanna Walton, (Chicago) Butler College Prep, 10; Annie Wolff, Grayslake Central, 11; and Melaina Zedalis, Mt. Vernon Township, 11.

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IHSA second-round playoff scores and results

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

TOLONO - After shaking three Monticello tacklers, Unity Tre Hoggard looks for a path around Sages'Nolan Buehnerkemper during first half action. Later, as time ran out in the fourth quarter, Hoggard intercepted a pass on a Monticello two-point coversion attempt to punch the Rockets' ticket to a quarterfinal playoff game against Williamsville in a barn burning 21-20 win on Saturday.

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Illini Prairie Conference scores

Monmouth-Roseville 29, Bloomington Central Catholic 28
Unity 21, Monticello 20
St. Joseph -Ogden 42, Roxana 32

Big Twelve Conference scores

Montini 47, Peoria Notre Dame 17
Oak Forest 34, Bloomington 14
Peoria 38, Morton 34
Simeon 36, Normal West 21

Scores from around the state

Games listed in bracket order.

CLASS 1A:

Stockton 26, Heyworth 3
Dwight 43, Clifton Central 14
Kewanee Wethersfield 33, Mackinaw (Deer Creek) 26
Lena-Winslow 43, Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley 14
Hardin Calhoun 22, Greenfield-Northwestern Coop 14 (OT)
Casey (Westfield) 48, Nokomis 14
Mt. Sterling (Brown County) 16, Camp Point Central 8
Carrollton 34, Dupo 19

CLASS 2A:

Tri-Valley 24, Taylor Ridge Rockridge 17
Wilmington 42, Seneca 0
El Paso-Gridley 31, Newman Central Catholic 0
Farmington 21, Aurora Christian 14
Maroa-Forsyth 41, Johnston City 6
Flora 17, Pana 14
Westville 49, DuQuoin 13
Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond 41, Cumberland 22

CLASS 3A:

Richmond-Burton 57, Aurora Central Catholic
Monmouth-Roseville 29, Bloomington Central Catholic 28
Byron 38, Pecatonica 12
IC Catholic 37, Kankakee McNamara 27
Williamsville 53, Petersburg PORTA 14
Unity 21, Monticello 20
Vandalia 42, Greenville 21
St. Joseph-Ogden 42, Roxana 32

CLASS 4A:

Montini 47, Peoria Notre Dame 17
Coal City 49, Dixon 42
Morris 64, Metamora 50
Geneseo 29, Macomb 0
Cahokia 36, Jacksonville 13
Breese Central 42, Freeburg 7
Sacred Heart-Griffin 45, Carterville 15
Rochester 55, Waterloo 21

CLASS 5A:

Wheaton St. Francis 41, Prairie Ridge 38
Chicago King 21, Chicago Corliss [Coop] 6
Belvidere North 30, Kaneland 25
Cary-Grove 55, St. Patrick 21
Washington 38, Mahomet-Seymour 14
Providence Catholic 35, Kankakee 25
Oak Forest 34, Bloomington 14
Peoria 38, Morton 34

CLASS 6A:

Nazareth Academy 28, Warrenville South 7
Lake Zurich 35, Antioch 0
Burlington Central 24, Harlem 14
Fenwick 45, Rolling Meadows 7
East St. Louis 53, Chatham Glenwood 14
Simeon 36, Normal West 21
St. Laurence 35, Bradley-Bourbonnais 21
Dunlap 28, Crete-Monee 21

CLASS 7A:

Hersey 42, Richards 21
St. Rita 31, Lincoln-Way Central 28
Batavia 42, Glenbard East 21
Glenbard North 22, Moline 14
Downers Grove North 19, Glenbard West 7
Lincoln-Way West 43, Kenwood 20
St. Charles North 26, Carmel 23
Brother Rice 46, Jacobs 0

CLASS 8A:

Mt. Carmel 48, Belleville East 29
Lincoln-Way East 55, Palatine 13
Fremd 45, Lyons 21
Bolingbrook 20, Warren 14
Barrington 38, Glenbrook South 20
Lockport 21, Homewood-Flossmoor 20
Maine South 33, Hinsdale Central 29
Oswego 45, Lane 10

Complete second-round IHSA 2025 state football schedule

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

TOLONO - Unity's Michael Hardin tries to get around Mt. Carmel's Zadok Fullop during fourth quarter action of their first-round playoff game on Saturday. Hardin finished with nine yards on four carries, doing a small part in the Rockets securing another home playoff game this Saturday with Illini Prairie Conference rival Monticello. The Rockets (9-1) dominated all aspects of the game to beat the Golden Aces (5-5), 42-14.

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Class 1A second-round playoff schedule

• #1 Stockton (10-0) at #9 Heyworth (8-2)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
• #4 Clifton (Central) (9-1) at #12 Dwight (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 4:00 pm
• #2 Kewanee (Wethersfield) [Annawan-Wethersfield Coop] (10-0) at #10 Mackinaw (Deer Creek) (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 3:00 pm
• #6 Gibson City (Melvin-Sibley) (8-2) at #3 Lena (L.-Winslow) (9-1)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
- - -
• #8 Greenfield [G.-Northwestern Coop] (7-3) at #1 Hardin (Calhoun) [Coop] (10-0)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
• #4 Casey (Westfield) (8-2) at #12 Nokomis (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 3:00 pm
• #7 Mt. Sterling (Brown County) (8-2) at #2 Camp Point (Central) (10-0)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
• #3 Dupo (9-1) at #11 Carrollton (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm

Class 2A second-round playoff schedule

• #1 Taylor Ridge (Rockridge) (10-0) at #9 Downs (Tri-Valley) (8-2)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
• #5 Wilmington (9-1) at #4 Seneca (10-0)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 6:00 pm
• #7 Sterling (Newman Central Catholic) (8-2) at #2 El Paso (Gridley) (10-0)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 5:00 pm
• #6 Aurora (Christian) (8-2) at #3 Farmington (10-0)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 3:00 pm
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• #1 Johnston City (10-0) at #9 Maroa (M.-Forsyth) (8-2), Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
• #5 Pana (H.S.) (9-1) at #4 Flora (9-1)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
• #7 DuQuoin (H.S.) (9-1) at #2 Westville (10-0)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
• #6 Toledo (Cumberland) (9-1) at #3 Arthur (A.-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond) (10-0)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm

Class 3A second-round playoff schedule

• #1 Richmond (R.-Burton) (10-0) at #9 Aurora (Central Catholic) (8-2)
  Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
• #5 Monmouth (M.-Roseville) (9-1) at #4 Bloomington (Central Catholic) (10-0)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
• #2 Byron (10-0) at #10 Pecatonica [Du-Pec Coop] (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
• #3 Kankakee (McNamara) (10-0) at #11 Elmhurst (IC Catholic) (7-3)
  Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
- - -
• #8 Petersburg (PORTA) [Coop] (7-3) at #1 Williamsville (10-0)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
• #5 Monticello (8-2) at #4 Tolono (Unity) (9-1)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
• #2 Vandalia (10-0) at #10 Greenville (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
• #14 St. Joseph (Ogden) (6-4) at #11 Roxana (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm

Class 4A second-round playoff schedule

• #1 Lombard (Montini) (10-0) vs. #9 Peoria (Notre Dame) (8-2) at Richwoods High School
  Sat., Nov. 8, 3:00 pm
• #5 Coal City (8-2) at #4 Dixon (H.S.) (9-1)
  Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
• #7 Metamora (8-2) at #2 Morris (9-1)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 3:00 pm
• #6 Geneseo (8-2) at #3 Macomb (9-1)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
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• #16 Jacksonville (H.S.) (6-4) at #9 Cahokia (H.S.) (8-2)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
• #5 Freeburg (9-1) at #4 Breese (Central) (9-1)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
• #2 Carterville (10-0) at #10 Springfield (Sacred Heart-Griffin) (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 1:30 pm
• #3 Rochester (9-1) at #11 Waterloo (H.S.) (7-3)
  Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm

Class 5A second-round playoff schedule

• #1 Crystal Lake (Prairie Ridge) (10-0) at #9 Wheaton (St. Francis) (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
• #13 Chicago (King) (6-4) vs. #5 Chicago (Corliss) [Coop] (8-2)
  at Gately Stadium
  Sat., Nov. 8, 5:00 pm
• #7 Maple Park (Kaneland) (8-2) at #2 Belvidere (North) (10-0)
  Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
• #14 Chicago (St. Patrick) (6-4) vs. #6 Cary (Grove) (8-2)
  at Triton College - 2000 5th Ave., River Grove, IL
  Sat., Nov. 8, 6:30 pm
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• #8 Mahomet (Seymour) (7-3) at #1 Washington (9-1)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
• #5 New Lenox (Providence Catholic) (7-3) at #4 Kankakee (Sr.) (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 3:00 pm
• #7 Bloomington (H.S.) (7-3) at #2 Oak Forest (9-1)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
• #3 Peoria (H.S.) (8-2) vs. #6 Morton (7-3) at Peoria Stadium
  Sat., Nov. 8, 7:00 pm

Class 6A second-round playoff schedule

• #1 LaGrange Park (Nazareth Academy) (9-1) at #9 Wheaton (Warrenville South) (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 4:00 pm
• #5 Antioch (8-2) at #4 Lake Zurich (8-2)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
• #7 Machesney Park (Harlem) (8-2) at #2 Burlington (Central) (9-1)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 6:00 pm
• #14 Rolling Meadows (7-3) at #11 Oak Park (Fenwick) (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
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• #8 East St. Louis (Sr.) (7-3) at #1 Chatham (Glenwood) (10-0)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
• #4 Normal (Community West) (8-2) vs. #12 Chicago (Simeon) (6-4)
  at Gately Stadium
  Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
• #2 Bradley (B.-Bourbonnais) (9-1) at #10 Burbank (St. Laurence) (6-4)
  Fri., Nov. 7, 6:00 pm
• #6 Dunlap (8-2) at #3 Crete (Monee) (8-2)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm

Class 7A second-round playoff schedule

• #16 Arlington Heights (Hersey) (8-2) at #1 Oak Lawn (Richards) (9-1)
  Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
• #9 New Lenox (Lincoln-Way Central) (9-1) at #25 Chicago (St. Rita) (6-4)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
• #13 Batavia (8-2) at #4 Lombard (Glenbard East) (9-1)
  Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
• #5 Moline (H.S.) (9-1) at #21 Carol Stream (Glenbard North) (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
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• #15 Downers Grove (North) (8-2) at #2 Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West) (9-1)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
• #10 Chicago (Kenwood) (9-1) at #7 New Lenox (Lincoln-Way West) (9-1)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
• #14 Mundelein (Carmel) (8-2) at #3 St. Charles (North) (9-1)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 7:00 pm
• #6 Chicago (Brother Rice) (9-1) at #22 Algonquin (Jacobs) (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 6:00 pm

Class 8A second-round playoff schedule

• #1 Chicago (Mt. Carmel) (10-0) at #17 Belleville (East) (8-2)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 4:00 pm
• #9 Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) (8-2) at #25 Palatine (H.S.) (6-4)
  Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
• #13 LaGrange (Lyons) (8-2) at #4 Palatine (Fremd) (9-1)
  Fri., Nov. 7, 7:30 pm
• #5 Gurnee (Warren) (9-1) vs. #12 Bolingbrook (8-2)
  at O'Plaine Campus - 500 N. O'Plaine Rd.
  Sat., Nov. 8, 7:00 pm
- - -
• #15 Glenview (Glenbrook South) (8-2) at #2 Barrington (9-1)
  Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
• #26 Flossmoor (Homewood-F.) (6-4) at #23 Lockport (Twp.) (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 6:00 pm
• #3 Park Ridge (Maine South) (9-1) at #19 Hinsdale (Central) (7-3)
  Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
• #6 Chicago (Lane) (9-1) vs. #11 Oswego (H.S.) (8-2) at Lane Stadium
  Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm

Lemont defends title to win 8th IHSA state championship cheer title

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

A Lemont cheerleader poses at the top a stunt during her teams routine at state cheer in Bloomington. The team rallied back from tenth place on day one to first to win this year's title.

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BLOOMINGTON - Whoops! They did it again. The Lemont cheer team made state history on Saturday by capturing the title in the Medium School Division at the IHSA Competitive Cheerleading State Finals. It marked their second consecutive victory and a state-record 16th trophy for the program.

In a story that will become school legend, Lemont rebounded from a shaky opening performance in the preliminary round on Friday. The team squeezed into the finals, finishing 10th, just 0.34 points ahead of Lake Forest and trailing the Crystal Lake schools Prairie Ridge and Central. After a couple of near drops early in their routine, their performance turned timid, lacking the usual energetic vigor.

Nearly 24 hours later, the team achieved the improbable, soaring from last place to a state title. Never before in Illinois state finals history has a cheer team so dramatically reversed their fortunes, going from the lowest score in prelims to the highest in the finals.

Lemont scored 89.79 on Friday and surged to 97.50 for the title. Providence Catholic, who tallied 94.21 in preliminaries, improved to 97.22 to secure second place. Grayslake Central took third with 93.54. The Rams led the division after the first day with 94.50.

Lemont, along with Lockport Township, Oak Forest, Sandburg, and Conant High Schools, are the only five programs to qualify for state every year since the IHSA adopted the sport. Together, these programs have maintained a storied 20-year tradition of 'making it to state'.

Medium School Division Final Results

1 Lemont 97.5
2 Providence Catholic 97.22
3 Grayslake Central 93.54
4 Morris 93.09
5 Oak Forest 92.15
6 Benet Academy 91.86
7 Highland 91.16
8 Prairie Ridge 89.7
9 Crystal Lake Central 89.24
10 Cary-Grove 89.06

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State Wrestling |Providence Catholic's Jasper Harper wins in sudden victory at state meet

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

CHAMPAIGN - Providence Catholic's Jasper Harper celebrates his 10-7 sudden victory win over Brother Rice's Frank Miceli in their Class 2A 157-pound consolation semifinal match at the IHSA Individual Wrestling State Finals on Saturday. Harper advanced to the third place match to face St. Ignatius' Nate Sanchez. Click here to see more Sentinel IHSA state wrestling coverage.

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Prairie Ridge falls in straight sets in semifinal, U-High advances to 3A championship match

Normal University controlled both sets against Prairie Ridge with balanced hitting and minimal errors.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Prairie Ridge libero Tegan Vrbbancic digs a kill shot from Normal U-High in the second set of their state semifinal match.

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NORMAL - Prairie Ridge has been on this stage before. Five times now, the Wolves have stepped beneath the state finals lights, trying to summon the right mix of steadiness, grit and energy to reach a championship match. On Friday at CEFCU Arena on the Illinois State University campus, that experience helped them stay composed, but it wasn’t enough to withstand the precision and firepower Normal University brought to the Class 3A state semifinals at the IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals. The Pioneers controlled both sets and handed Prairie Ridge a 25-20, 25-18 loss that sent the Wolves into today’s third-place match.

From the opening serve, Prairie Ridge showed the composure of a program comfortable at this level. The Wolves struck first and managed to build a brief 3-2 edge, leaning on clean touches and quick transitions. But U-High’s offensive rhythm tightened almost immediately. Junior outside hitter Laney Snow delivered back-to-back kills to push the Pioneers ahead 4-3. Prairie Ridge’s Adeline Grider answered with a sharp swing of her own to level the score once more, but Snow responded again with another kill that put U-High in front 5-4. It was a small moment in the box score, but it marked the beginning of a shift in control.

From there, the Pioneers didn’t let up. U-High played an exceptionally clean first set, committing just one error while building a lead that swelled as large as eight points. Their serve receive was crisp, their defense steady, and their offense ran with the kind of balance that forces opponents to pick their poison. Prairie Ridge stayed within striking distance through stretches of the frame, but each small opening they created was quickly answered at the net.

Grider gave the Wolves their strongest spark, finishing with 12 kills, seven digs and an assist. Abigail Smith added seven kills and two digs, giving Prairie Ridge solid production at the pins. Setter Addison Smith worked to keep the offense moving, distributing 23 assists while directing the Wolves’ efforts to mix tempo and find seams through U-High’s block. But it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pioneers’ consistency. Prairie Ridge committed 11 errors across the match — nine of them in the second set — while U-High limited its mistakes to just one error in the first set and three in the second.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Normal University volleyball players on the bench stand to celebrate another point for their team. The Pioneers advanced to today's title match for a shot at the Class 3A crown.

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The Wolves needed a clean start to the second set to reset the momentum, and for a while, they found one. The teams traded points and tied the score seven times after the opening serve. Prairie Ridge dug in defensively, with Tegan Vrbrancic anchoring the floor and finishing with eight digs to lead the team. The Wolves' block tightened, forcing longer rallies and creating pockets of energy from their student section.

Still, U-High remained sharp. Snow, who finished with 11 kills and nine digs, stayed efficient throughout the frame. Ava Crabtree added eight kills and eight digs, giving the Pioneers reliable production on both sides of the court. Their two-setter system kept the Wolves off balance, with Morgan Petelin and Madison Funk finishing with 14 assists each. Funk also contributed seven digs, often extending plays that looked finished.

The turning point came with U-High leading 17-15. Emma Jean Bogusz stepped to the service line and seized control of the set. Her serve run stretched to six consecutive points, pushing the lead to 23-17 and silencing any hopes Prairie Ridge had of forcing a decisive third frame. Three serves later, Penn Taylor sealed the match with a solo block, sending U-High into tonight’s championship match at 5:30 p.m.

U-High, meanwhile, advances to face Nazareth, a program with a growing collection of state trophies — one championship, one runner-up and one third-place finish. With the Pioneers performing at their sharpest, tonight’s title match promises to be a strong finale to the Class 3A season.

Prairie Ridge now turns its attention to the third-place match against Providence Catholic, which fell to Nazareth Academy in its semifinal. The Wolves have one more opportunity to close their season with hardware and a performance that reflects their experience and resolve.

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TAGS: Illinois soccer recruiting 2026, Fighting Illini women’s soccer, Katie Hultin Illinois coach, Big Ten soccer news, University of Illinois athletics

TAGS: Prairie Ridge vs Normal U-High IHSA Class 3A volleyball semifinal recap, Normal University Pioneers straight-set win over Prairie Ridge analysis, Illinois high school volleyball state finals Prairie Ridge performance, U-High volleyball postseason run to 3A championship match details, Prairie Ridge volleyball third-place match preview against Providence Catholic

Week 9 IHSA football scores from around the state

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

URBANA - St. Joseph-Ogden's Brennan Oleynichak and three teammates stop Pontiac running back Jayden Reed from advancing during the first quarter of their Illini Prairie Conference game. The Spartans scored 14 points in each quarter on their way to a much needed victory to solidify a spot in the 2025 IHSA football postseason. SJO won the home game at Dick Duval Field 56-21.

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Illini Prairie Conference scores

Unity 55, Mt Vernon 37
St Joseph-Ogden 56, Pontiac 21
Central Catholic 41, Prairie Central 0
Illinois Valley Central 30, Rantoul 27
Monticello 14, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 6

Big Twelve Conference scores

Normal West 57, Urbana 15
Bloomington 37, Centennial 6
Champaign Central 55, Peoria Manual 16
Peoria Notre Dame 54, Danville 13
Peoria 36, Normal Community 14
Mahomet-Seymour 63, Richwoods 14

Scores from around the state

AddisonTrail 35, Willowbrook 0
Alden-Hebron 26, Ashton-Franklin Center 8
Arthur 49, Villa Grove/Heritage 26
Athens 55, Riverton 13
Aurora Waubonsie Valley 49, DeKalb 28
Aurora West Aurora 52, Streamwood 8
Bartlett 48, Elgin 0
Batavia 45, Wheaton Warrenville South 12
Benton 42, Harrisburg 7
Bishop McNamara 56, St Edward 0
Bolingbrook 26, Yorkville 21
Bradley-Bourbonnais 53, Andrew 41
Byron 38, North Boone 26
Byron Center, Mich. 38, Morris 26
Canton 50, Bartonville Limestone 28
Carmel 38, Fenwick 24
Carterville 55, Anna-Jonesboro 7
Cary-Grove 44, Algonquin Jacobs 29
Central 42, Dundee-Crown 6
Central 49, Salt Fork 30
Central Catholic 41, Prairie Central 0
Centralia 21, Effingham 16
Chester 29, Nashville 19
Christopher 50, Albion Edwards County 25
Crete-Monee 27, Kankakee 14
DePaul 35, Benet 6
Deer Creek-Mackinaw 50, Kelly, Mo. 13
Dixon 58, Genoa-Kingston 20
Downers Grove North 47, Proviso East 0
Du Quoin 47, Murphysboro 20
Dunlap 30, Metamora 23, OT
Dwight 41, Oregon 8
El Paso-Gridley 37, Shelbyville 6
Eldorado 42, Carmi-White County 30
Fairfield 44, Hamilton County 25
Flanagan-Cornell 64, Bushnell-Prairie City 20
Flora 29, Red Hill 6
Galena 26, Fulton 7
Galva 55, West Prairie 22
Geneseo 45, Quincy 7
Geneva 45, St Charles East 20
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley 55, Lexington 27
Glenbard East 45, Riverside-Brookfield 43
Glenbard North 39, Wheaton North 20
Glenbard South 35, Larkin 7
Glenbrook South 45, New Trier 0
Glenwood 38, Springfield 28
Grayslake Central 41, Round Lake 7
Herscher 35, Peotone 28
Highland Park 49, Maine East 0
Hinsdale Central 35, OPRF 15
Homewood-Flossmoor 50, Aurora (Metea Valley) 8
Illini West 34, Elmwood 24
Johnston City 36, Sesser-Valier 18
Joliet Catholic 30, Providence 27
Knoxville 55, Stark County 14
Lake Zurich 49, Stevenson 9
Lanark Eastland-Pearl City 53, Dakota 22
Lena-Winslow 40, Durand-Pecatonica 20
Leyden 21, Hinsdale South 19
Lincoln Way Central 49, Rich Township 0
Lincoln Way West 49, Stagg 0
Lockport 41, Neuqua Valley 17
Lyons 34, York 26
Macomb def. LCSRV, forfeit
Mahomet-Seymour 63, Richwoods 14
Manteno 33, Streator 6
Marion 49, Mattoon 21
Marist 42, Notre Dame 14
Maroa-Forsyth 44, New Berlin 34
Marshall 32, Newton 15
Minooka 15, Oswego East 14
Moline 63, Galesburg 6
Momence 29, Georgetown-Ridge Farm 20
Monmouth-Roseville 40, Newman 7
Montini Catholic 23, St. Laurence 0
Mt Carmel 35, Loyola 24
Mt Prospect 56, Elk Grove 28
Mt. Carmel 42, Lawrenceville 15
Naperville North 21, Naperville Central 15
Nazareth 42, St. Francis 16
Niles West 20, Maine West 14
Nokomis 63, Arcola 21
Normal West 57, Urbana 15
Oakwood 21, BHRA 13
Olney 43, Robinson 21
Oswego 37, Plainfield North 7
Ottawa Marquette 66, Morrison 23
Palatine 35, Hoffman Estates Conant 7
Paris 22, Casey-Westfield 17
Plainfield East 53, Plainfield Central 7
Prairie Ridge 54, Crystal Lake South 26
Princeville 47, United 8
Quincy Notre Dame 49, MacArthur 7
Reavis 42, Oak Lawn 0
Richards 51, Evergreen Park 0
River Ridge 46, Christian Life 8
Rochelle 27, Waterloo 6
Rochester 31, Sacred Heart-Griffin 28
Rockridge 48, Hall 21
Salem 32, Charleston 23
Sangamon Valley 34, Tri-County 0
Seneca 48, Carlyle 13
Southeast 26, Eisenhower 18
St Anne 61, Blue Ridge 12
St Charles North 35, Lake Park 16
St Joseph-Ogden 56, Pontiac 21
St Rita 38, ICCP 21
Sterling 42, Rock Island 14
Stockton 44, Forreston 6
Sullivan 34, Argenta-Oreana 27
Tremont 40, Clinton 0
Tuscola 38, Le Roy 28
Unity 55, Mt Vernon 37
Warren 49, Libertyville 21
Warrensburg-Latham 22, Fieldcrest 14
Washington 49, Morton 21
Wauconda 31, Lakes 14
West Carroll 43, Kirkland Hiawatha 26
West Chicago 44, Bensenville (Fenton) 34
Westville 52, Iroquois West 13
Wheaton Academy 42, Christ the King 0
Wilmington 44, Coal City 21
Pana 43, Carlinville 26
Greenville 42, Staunton 7
Hillsboro 56, Southwestern 20
North Mac 32, Gillespie 12
Vandalia 49, Litchfield 14
Calhoun 21, Brown County 12
Carrollton 35, Concord Triopia 12
Greenfield 47, Mendon Unity 44
Camp Point Central 70, North Greene 8 (Thursday)
Pleasant Hill 22, Jacksonville Routt 14
West Central 46, Beardstown 13
Highland 34, Alton 24
St. Louis De Smet 30, Edwardsville 15
Taylorville 24, Civic Memorial 17
Jersey 49, Columbia 21
Roxana 41, Marquette Catholic 7
Dupo 69, East Alton-Wood River 24
Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy 14, East St. Louis 13 (OT)
O’Fallon 34, LaSalle-Peru 0
Belleville East 27, Jefferson City (Mo.) Capital City 10
Belleville West 21, St. Louis Vianney 19
Collinsville 16, Triad 7
Rochelle 27 Waterloo 6
Mascoutah 47, Carbondale 28
Maple Park Kaneland 55, Belleville Althoff 28
Breese Central 55, Herrin 6
Ottawa 52, Granite City 0
Sycamore 30, Cahokia 28
Wesclin 70, Madison 32
Mount Zion 52, Breese Mater Dei 14

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TAGS: Roxana crushes Marquette by 34 points, Illinois high school football scores in October, Week 9 IHSA football results, Camp Point Central runs up 70 points on North Greene, Central Catholic wins IPC with perfect record