CHAMPAIGN—DePaul Prep opened the season with massive expectations. The Rams won the Class 3A state title in 2024 and the 2A title in 2023. This year’s team was supposed to be even better.
That’s a unique situation for any high school basketball team to handle. But DePaul Prep delivered on all those expectations throughout the season.
The Rams won the prestigious Pontiac Holiday Tournament in December, won the Catholic League conference title and Saturday at State Farm Center they knocked off Brother Rice 55-52 in double-overtime to win the Class 3A state title.
Three consecutive state titles is an extremely rare feat in Illinois high school basketball. Makai Kvamme was the starting point guard on all three teams and the senior stepped up in the fourth quarter and the overtimes to secure the win on Saturday.
Kvamme finished with 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Junior Rashaun Porter Jr. added 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Brother Rice had a chance to win at the end of regulation but Jack Weigus’ shot didn’t fall. DePaul Prep had the shot at the overtime buzzer but Porter missed from the post.
Porter threw down a dunk and was fouled with 25 seconds left in the second overtime. His free throw put DePaul ahead 53-49.
Citadel recruit Marcos Gonzales finished with 24 points and eight rebounds. He scored all 13 of Brother Rice’s points in the fourth quarter.
Brother Rice’s basketball program had almost everything even before this year’s team arrived in Champaign this week.
The school’s gym on Pulaski is a high school basketball temple. The cozy confines drip with character and the Crusader Crazies’ student section is one of the state’s most intimidating.
Longtime coach Pat Richardson, who retired in 2014, was one of the Chicago area’s top coaches for more than two decades. Bobby Frasor, a 2005 graduate who played at North Carolina, was a McDonald’s All-American.
The one thing Brother Rice doesn’t have is a state title. The Crusaders came close on Saturday.
Check back later for reaction from the players and coaches.