MSL Basketball: Boys Title Game History
Recap of Every Game since 1971 and Other Facts and Figures
A high standard was set in the first two Mid-Suburban League boys basketball games between nearby rivals Hersey and Prospect.
The first - 17 years before a 3-point line and long before the impending adoption of a shot clock - saw the Knights win 84-81 for a combined 165 points in the game. That total has not been matched.
The second saw a big Hersey sophomore named Dave Corzine pour in 45 points. No no player has come close. Corzine went on to have the most successful post-prep playing career of a MSL basketball product as an all-America at DePaul and a 13-year NBA career.
Corzine is one of four future NBA players who played in the MSL basketball title game along with Rolling Meadows’ Aaron Williams and Max and Cameron Christie. Prospect’s Tom Bergen (Michigan) and Erik Faust (Wisconsin) played on NCAA Final Four teams, Jeff Bzdelik became an NBA head coach and Mike Quade managed the Cubs. Buffalo Grove’s Mike Marshall was a two-time World Series champion with the Dodgers and Arlington’s Doug Betters and Fremd’s Jim Schwantz played in Super Bowls.
It’s also unlikely we’ll see a combination where Ryan O’Gara scored 32 points in 2007 - third-highest in title-game history - and in 2013 covered Schaumburg’s double-overtime win over Prospect for the Daily Herald. Information was sourced from Herald game coverage by Jim Cook, Keith Reinhard, Art Mugalian, Paul Logan, Jim O’Donnell, Phil Brozynski, Tim Sassone, Mike McGraw, O’Gara, Dick Quagliano and myself. The foundation of it was built by the incomparable Bob Frisk.
The history of the MSL basketball championship games includes a recap of every game along with different facts and figures.
NORTH VS. SOUTH (Finished 14-14)
1971 - Prospect 84, Hersey 81
1972 - Hersey 78, Prospect 56
1973 - Prospect 55, Arlington 51
1974 - Conant 64, Arlington 63
1975 - Prospect 78, Arlington 73
1976 - Buffalo Grove 48, Conant 28
1977 - Buffalo Grove 69, Rolling Meadows 55
1978 - Buffalo Grove 66, Elk Grove 54
1979 - Barrington 53, Elk Grove 51
1980 - Conant 71, Buffalo Grove 66
1981 - Buffalo Grove 48, Forest View 46 (OT)
1982 - Arlington 71, Prospect 48
1983 - Arlington 67, Prospect 62
1984 - Prospect 62, Arlington 51
1985 - Prospect 77, Buffalo Grove 59
1986 - Prospect 60, Fremd 50
1987 - Schaumburg 67, Fremd 64
1988 - Fremd 84, Hoffman Estates 73
1989 - Rolling Meadows 65, Fremd 60
1990 - Rolling Meadows 76, Buffalo Grove 69
1991 - Rolling Meadows 72, Hersey 60
1992 - Hersey 66, Conant 59
1993 - Palatine 59, Conant 52
1994 - Conant 84, Hersey 77
1995 - Hersey 50, Schaumburg 36
1996 - Hoffman Estates 53, Palatine 34
1997 - Fremd 65, Prospect 50
1998 - Fremd 60, Rolling Meadows 51
EAST VS. WEST (West leads 20-6)
1999 - Schaumburg 68, Prospect 54
2000 - Schaumburg 61, Hersey 38
2001 - Schaumburg 62, Prospect 53
2002 - Elk Grove 68, Schaumburg 60
2003 - Schaumburg 74, Buffalo Grove 70
2004 - Hoffman Estates 47, Wheeling 34
2005 - Conant 70, Elk Grove 68 (OT)
2006 - Hersey 62, Schaumburg 55
2007 - Conant 67, Buffalo Grove 58
2008 - Conant 61, Buffalo Grove 51
2009 - Prospect 61, Schaumburg 57 (OT)
2010 - Fremd 67, Prospect 58
2011 - Prospect 56, Barrington 44
2012 - Schaumburg 69, Rolling Meadows 51
2013 - Schaumburg 43, Prospect 40 (2 OT)
2014 - Fremd 55, Prospect 52
2015 - Barrington 62, Hersey 44
2016 - Conant 41, Prospect 35
2017 - Fremd 57, Prospect 55
2018 - Prospect 54, Barrington 44
2019 - Fremd 75, Prospect 72 (2 OT)
2020 - Schaumburg 49, Buffalo Grove 43
2021 - Rolling Meadows 49, Barrington 41
2022 - Barrington 57, Rolling Meadows 49
2023 - Palatine 54, Rolling Meadows 52
2024 - Palatine 56, Rolling Meadows 44
PRE-DIVISION CHAMPIONS
1963-64 - Maine West (xx-x, 10-0; Gaston Freeman)
1964-65 - Maine West (xx-x, 14-0; Gaston Freeman)
1965-66 - Forest View (16-7, 9-1; Ken Arneson)
Prospect (21-5, 9-1; Dick Kinneman)
1966-67 - Arlington (20-4, 11-1; Ted Wissen)
1967-68 - Prospect (18-7, 13-1; Dick Kinneman)
Wheeling (17-5, 13-1; Mike Owens)
1968-69 - Wheeling (19-6, 13-1; Mike Owens)
1969-70 - Arlington (18-7, 13-1; George Zigman)
Title Game Recaps
1971 - Prospect 84, Hersey 81
February 26 at Prospect
Coaches - Prospect: Bill Slayton; Hersey: Roger Steingraber
Leading Scorers - Prospect: Dave Lundstedt 26; Hersey: Bruce Frase 21
The MSL could not have asked for a much better way to tip-off the showcase event as it is still the highest-scoring title game in history (165 points). The North’s 22-3 domination in crossovers included Hersey’s 77-71 win over Prospect two weeks earlier but the Knights (13-8) shot out to a 21-7 lead and held on to give the South the ultimate bragging rights. “The hardcourt classic, the first of its kind, evoked boisterous pandemonium, a deafening silence and a chorus of disenchantment with every shrill of the whistle,” wrote the Herald’s Jim Cook. Four players fouled out and another was ejected on technical fouls. Dave Lundstedt (26 points), Casey Rush (22), Rick Robertshaw (14) and future NBA coach Jeff Bzdelik (11) led Prospect. Bruce Frase (21) led five Hersey (17-4) players in double figures but fouled out, as did star Andy Pancratz (10) five minutes into the second half. John Tilhou (17), Tom O’Connell (16) and freshman Dave Corzine (14) helped the Huskies get within 71-70, but Lundstedt hit a 20-footer and Rush scored 6 consecutive points to make it 79-70 at 3:23. Lundstedt sealed the inaugural classic for Prospect with 2 free throws and a layup in the final 50 seconds.
1972 - Hersey 78, Prospect 56
February 25 at Hersey
Coaches - Hersey: Roger Steingraber; Prospect: Bill Slayton
Leading scorers - Hersey: Dave Corzine 45; Prospect: John vonBerg 13
Hersey (17-5) and Dave Corzine, now a 6-11 sophomore, got their shot at revenge after Prospect (13-8) emerged from a three-way tie in the South. Corzine delivered the best individual performance in title-game history with a still-record 45 points and 20 rebounds. A layup off a lob pass from Andy Pancratz (10) with 13 seconds left gave Corzine the MSL single-game record after he totaled 42 two weeks earlier to match Prospect legend Tom Lundstedt. “If he progresses at the same rate as he’s going now by the end of next year he ought to be the best junior in the country,” Steingraber said of the future DePaul star and NBA veteran. Steve Heidt added 11 for Hersey. Prospect led 26-19 and trailed just 31-30 at halftime behind John vonBerg (13) and 12 apiece from Andy Bitta, Mike Keane and Jack Brink.
1973 - Prospect 55, Arlington 51
Feburary 28 at Prospect
Coaches - Prospect: Bill Slayton; Arlington: George Zigman
Leading scorers - Prospect: Bob Bostrom 19; Arlington: Brian Gaare, Jim Stull 12
A lot of fire codes were likely broken as an overflow crowd literally packed every corner of the Prospect fieldhouse. Prospect’s fans were also fired up early from an afternoon pep assembly to a 100-car procession from the high school through Arlington Heights that included “a deliberate stop at Arlington High School,” according to the Herald. Arlington’s zone held Prospect’s 6-9 Tom Bergen (23 ppg, 15 rpg), who played for Michigan’s 1976 NCAA runner-up, to 8 points and 5 rebounds. But the Knights’ Bob Bostrom, who came in averaging 5.6 ppg, had a game-high 19 on 8-for-10 shooting. Brian Groth (12 points) and Will Freeman (10) helped the Knights get out to a 12-point lead and Val Grafitti hit 4 clutch free throws in the final two minutes after Arlington got within 51-49. Brian Gaare and Jim Stull had 12 apiece for the Cardinals. “I was really nervous when I saw all those people out there,” Bergen said. “As soon as I jumped for that first tip, though, there wasn’t time to think about being nervous.”
1974 - Conant 64, Arlington 63
February 26 at Arlington
Coaches - Conant: Dick Redlinger; Arlington: George Zigman
Leading scorers: Conant: Tom Bowen 21; Arlington: Jeff Cleveland 23
It didn’t look promising for Conant or 6-6 Roger Sander to be around at the end as he injured his ankle late in the third quarter and Arlington had never trailed. That was until Sander scored off his own miss with two seconds left to cap a 9-0 run in the final 3:15 that gave the Cougars (19-3) their first MSL title. A steal by Dave Sutherland (16 points) at 0:29 set up the dramatic finish as Tom Bowen had a team-high 21 points and 6-8 Steve Irion added 16. Jeff Cleveland (23 points), future Miami Dolphins NFL defensive player of the year Doug Betters (12), 6-10 Dan Donohue (10) and Jerry DiSimone (10) led Arlington (18-5) as its 10-game winning streak was snapped in heartbreaking fashion. “I thought Arlington played one helluva game,” Redlinger said. “But when you’ve gone up by 8 in a title game the pressure is on you. You can’t afford to make mistakes and the other team can take chances on defense.”
1975 - Prospect 78, Arlington 73
February 26 at Prospect
Coaches - Prospect: Bill Slayton; Arlington: George Zigman
Leading scorers: Prospect: Mike Quade 20; Arlington: Dan Donohue 18
Another sold-out, fire marshal look-the-other-way crowd at the Prospect fieldhouse was treated to quite a show between the two nearby rivals. The star where nearly all 10 starters finished in double figures and the game’s biggest lead was 6 points was three-sport standout and future Cubs manager Mike Quade. The dynamic guard scored 10 of his game-high 20 points in the first quarter and fed 6-9 Paul Withey (10 points, 12 rebounds) for a layup that put the Knights (17-4) ahead to stay at 73-71 and on their way to a third title in five years. Quade’s behind-the-back pass to Al Black (18) sealed it and Doug Bonthron and Dave Mann scored 15 apiece. Dan Donohue (18 points, 10 rebounds), John Yeazel (15), Jerry DiSimone (14), Denny Gaare (13) and Jim Grandt (9) led Arlington in its third consecutive title-game loss. “When we came to the gym at 6:30 and the sophomore game had just started and the place was already half-full, it’s just super,” Quade said. “We played just super.”
1976 - Buffalo Grove 48, Conant 28
February 25 at Buffalo Grove
Coaches - Buffalo Grove: Paul Grady; Conant - Dick Redlinger
Leading scorers: BG: Brian Allsmiller 23; Conant: Rob Totten 9
A record-setting defensive performance gave Buffalo Grove (19-4) and Brian Allsmiller, a 6-8 junior, more than just an MSL title in the program’s third year. BG coach Paul Grady also gave his team home-cooked meals by his wife for holding opponents below 45 points. “I may be in the poorhouse before it’s all over,” Grady said. “I’m eating crow and the team members are literally eating me out of house and home.” Allsmiller feasted for 23 points, 12 rebounds and 8 blocked shots, Scott Groot’s 10 included a 35-footer at the end of the first quarter and 6-4 Fred Heesch had 9 rebounds. “If Brian Allsmiller didn’t play like an all-stater tonight I don’t know how it’s done,” Grady said. “But it was just part of a super team effort.” Rob Totten (9 points) and Ron Sulaski (8) led Conant (14-8), which got within 26-20 midway through the third before BG went on a 13-0 run. Conant shot just 25.5 percent (13-for-51).
1977 - Buffalo Grove 69, Rolling Meadows 54
February 23 at Rolling Meadows
Coaches - Buffalo Grove: Paul Grady: Rolling Meadows: Bill Weinberg
Leading scorers: BG: Brian Allsmiller 24; RM: Kent Walker 18
Buffalo Grove (24-1) became the first team to win consecutive MSL title games and extended its winning streak to 20 behind 6-8 senior All-American Brian Allsmiller (24 points), Scott Groot (12), Fred Heesch (10) and point guard Mike Ledna (8). Future MLB standout Mike Marshall added 7 points as the Bison gradually pulled away. Allsmiller, who was the MSL’s career scoring leader until it was broken by Rolling Meadows’ Max Christie and played four years at Vanderbilt, had 18 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks at halftime before being slowed by foul trouble. “It’s a nice trophy to win,” Grady said. “I know I’ve been quoted as playing this one down but I think it’s important that everyone knows how much we’ve enjoyed every trophy we’ve won this year. It’s been a super-enjoyable season from the beginning because of games like tonight.” Meadows (15-9) got 18 points from Kent Walker and 16 from 6-8 Kevin Kiley. BG would finish at 27-2 with a loss to New Trier West in the sectional final.
1978 - Buffalo Grove 66, Elk Grove 54
February 22 at Buffalo Grove
Coaches - Buffalo Grove: Paul Grady; Elk Grove: Ken Grams
Leading scorers: BG: Fred Kruse 28; EG: Jay Carman 14
The departure of Brian Allsmiller to Vanderbilt didn’t make life any easier for the MSL as 6-3 senior Fred Kruse (28 points on 11-for-13 shooting, 6 assists, 4 rebounds) and 6-5 Mike Marshall (18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists) wound up playing on three consecutive MSL champs at Buffalo Grove (20-3). “Not even Brian Allsmiller can say that,” said Grady. BG had a height advantage of 5 inches per man as it led 17-14 after one and 34-26 at half. “Being through it all helped,” Marshall said. “I wasn’t really very worried tonight. We always seem to do very well on our own court … it’s a great place to play.” Jay Carman had 14 and Mark Angellotti added 10 before fouling out for Elk Grove (18-7).
1979 - Barrington 53, Elk Grove 51
February 21 at Elk Grove
Coaches - Barrington: Gary Cook; Elk Grove: Ken Grams
Leading scorers: Barrington: John Tomlinson 17; EG: Bill Norwood 17
Barrington (22-2) had the right person in the right place at just the right time to win a title in its second season in the MSL. Six-7 Ike Person, who was part of the Broncos’ three straight Sweet 16 trips and Elite Eight berth in 1977, had the go-ahead layup in the final minute off a feed from John Tomlinson. Person preserved it with one second left with a block of Mark Angellotti’s shot on the baseline. Elk Grove (20-4) led 51-49 when Barrington’s Mark Tomlinson hit a free throw at 1:20 and a turnover set up Person’s game-winner. After Elk Grove’s Bill Norwood missed from inside the top of the key at 0:12, Barrington set the final score when Tim Millay hit the second of 2 free throws at 0:07. “We were very happy to win this one,” Cook said. “Elk Grove is a super ballclub. We played well against an excellent team.” John Tomlinson (17 points), Person (16 points, 12 rebounds) and Randy Cecola (8) led Barrington. Norwood (17 points), Craig Parker (14) and Angellotti (8) led Elk Grove.
1980 - Conant 71, Buffalo Grove 66
February 27 at Buffalo Grove
Coaches - Conant: Dick Redlinger; Buffalo Grove: Paul Grady
Leading scorers: Conant: Glenn Weeks 21; BG: Ed Williams 26
It didn’t become public knowledge after the game but Conant (17-8) gave Redlinger a nice start to his farewell tour with a second MSL title in an upset of BG (20-3). The Cougars had all their starters healthy for only the sixth time all season and broke to a 42-31 lead in third as Brian Coughlin hit four straight long jumpers en route to a career-high 19 points. They shot 55 percent from the field behind Glenn Weeks (21 points, 7 rebounds), Ron Schimbke (15 and 10) and Jeff Rudolph (14). “This championship means a great deal to me,” Redlinger told O’Donnell of his retirement plans. “The first championship in 1974 was incredible but coming in tonight as such a decided underdog and still winning is just an incredible thrill.” BG got within 53-52 with 3:27 left as Ed Williams scored 16 of his 26 in the fourth quarter and Paul Heesch had 16 points and 11 rebounds. But Conant pulled away and would reach the Sweet 16 for the second time under Redlinger.
1981 - Buffalo Grove 48, Forest View 46 (OT)
February 25 at Forest View
Coaches - Buffalo Grove: Paul Grady; Forest View: Glen Elms
Leading scorers: BG: Paul Heesch 25; FV: Mike Matella 21
The first MSL title overtime game saw BG (20-5) slow the pace after star Paul Heesch picked up 3 fouls in the first 3 minutes before 3,700 in Forest View’s new fieldhouse. The Bison went to a four-corners much earlier than usual to ensure Heesch (25 points, 8 rebounds) was still around to score a key basket in OT and surpass 1,000 career points. “The game would have been a whole lot different if Paul hadn’t picked up that third foul so quickly,” Grady said. “But we really didn’t change our offense. We just extended it.” BG junior Tim Monson (10 points) missed 2 free throws late in regulation, including a 1-and-1 with :01 left, but tied it in OT with an 18-footer and hit 2 go-ahead free throws. Mike Matella scored 21 to lead Forest View, which tied it at 40-40 with 1:31 left in regulation on a Mark Giannopolus free throw and went ahead to start OT on Tom Maloney’s 15-foot baseline jumper. “I don’t think most of the crowd wanted to see a game played like that,” Elms said of the deliberate pace.
1982 - Arlington 71, Prospect 48
February 24 at Arlington
Coaches: Arlington: George Zigman; Prospect: Ron Ashley
Leading scorers: Arlington: Don Frankel 19; Prospect: Brett Muffie, Gene Thiem 10
Arlington (20-5) turned a tie game early in the third quarter into the largest title-game margin of victory as Don Frankel (19 points, 8 rebounds) was perfect from the field and his team shot a sizzling 66 percent (29-for-44) before 3,320 at Grace Gym. Six-6 junior standout Chris Berg (17 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists), Larry Tellschow (13 points, 8 assists) and Ted Wolfe (14 points) helped the Cards go on an 18-4 tear to end the third quarter up 50-36. “I really never imagined we’d beat them by 23 points,” Zigman said after his first title-game victory in four tries. “If we played them 10 more times every game would probably be close.” Brett Muffie and Gene Thiem had 10 points apiece to lead Prospect (20-3). Arlington was the first MSL champion and just the second team from the league to reach the Elite Eight in Champaign, where it lost to eventual state champion East St. Louis Lincoln in the quarterfinals.
1983 - Arlington 67, Prospect 62
February 23 at Prospect
Coaches: Arlington: George Zigman; Prospect: Ron Ashley
Leading scorers: Arlington: Chris Berg 22; Prospect: Erik Bulmahn 25
Northwestern coach Rich Falk saw his prize recruit, 6-6 Chris Berg, put on a show with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 blocks as Arlington (19-4) repeated as champs before 3,400. Berg’s dunk capped a 14-2 blitz that put the Cards up 49-41 and they got 18 from long-range bomber Rick Elkins and 17 from future Michigan State starter Todd Wolfe. The game was emotional for Berg since Arlington was on borrowed time with the school scheduled to close the following year. “When we played them last year it seemed a bigger deal because nobody knew which school would be closed,” Berg said. “Now it takes a little of the excitement out of a championship knowing that there’ll be no Arlington in two years. Who even knows where this trophy will be in two years?” Prospect (16-9) was led by Erik Bulmahn (25 points, 14 rebounds), Jeff Fuerst (21 and 13) and Scott Moehling (10 points). Arlington would reach the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year.
1984 - Prospect 62, Arlington 51
February 29 at Arlington
Coaches: Prospect: Ron Ashley; Arlington: George Zigman
Leading scorers: Prospect: John Simios, Scott Moehling 18; Arl: Todd Wolfe 28
Arlington alum Ron Ashley’s Knights made sure a Hollywood ending wasn’t in the Cards in their final game at Grace Gym before 3,200. John Simios and Scott Moehling had 18 points apiece for Prospect (19-4), which was clinging to a 43-40 lead after three. Jeff Fuerst (14 points) picked up his fourth foul early in the fourth but scored a key basket and the Knights pulled away behind 16-for-19 free-throw shooting. “After losing the last two of these things I was beginning to wonder if it would ever come,” Ashley said after Prospect’s fourth MSL title-game win and first since 1975. “But the kids put together a heck of an effort tonight and I couldn’t be any prouder of them. Just being involved in this last game at Grace Gym is great, but winning it makes it kind of special.” Todd Wolfe led Arlington (16-9) with 28 and Walt Sierocki added 11 in a gym that had been the area’s big-game showplace for years. “As the team was warming up and I saw the sea of red there were tears in my eyes,” Zigman said of the school closing in a few months. “I was sitting there and knew this was the gym where I spent 16 years and it was going to end. The place has been good to me. It’s a great school and a great job. One thing I’ll always carry away is the great memories at Grace Gym.”
1985 - Prospect 77, Buffalo Grove 59
February 27 at Prospect
Coaches: Prospect: Ron Ashley; Buffalo Grove: Rich Roberts
Leading scorers: Prospect: Todd Wolfe 27; BG: Bill Zollinger 22
Michigan State-bound Todd Wolfe was in a different uniform after coming over when Arlington closed. But he was an MSL champion for the second time in three years as he scored 14 of his 27 points in the first half and had 5 rebounds for Prospect (20-5). Bill Zollinger scored half of his 22 points in the third quarter as BG (14-11) rallied from a 32-17 deficit to within 45-44, but Wolfe’s 3-point play helped Prospect regain control. Bob Blackwood added 14 for the Knights and Dan Raupp and Dave Peterson scored 11 apiece. Brian Korbel (16 points), future Illinois QB Pete Freund (9 points) and Ken Kozemzak (9 assists) also helped BG as Rich Roberts would become the only coach to win MSL division titles in football and boys basketball. “We’re not disappointed,” Roberts said. “It was a fun game to play. The final score is not indicative of the type of game this was. We were right there.”
1986 - Prospect 60, Fremd 50
February 19 at Fremd
Coaches: Prospect: Bud Bornman; Fremd: Mo Tharp
Leading scorers: Prospect: Bob Blackwood 19; Fremd: Jim Weil 14
Bob Blackwood was the only returning letterman for Prospect and was in his third straight MSL title game with his third different head coach since he played at Arlington as a sophomore. Blackwood scored a game-high 19 and Jeff Moehling (18), Eric Rombach (11) and Zach Schnell (8) led the Knights (18-5), who used an 8-0 run early in the fourth to lead 52-41 and held on by making 6 of 7 free throws in the final 1:30. “It’s a tremendous feeling,” Bornman said in his only season as Prospect’s head coach. “I didn’t think at the beginning of the year we’d be here. We were very young with one kid from the sophomore team and three juniors. But we sure jelled … I think we’re beginning to hit our peak.” Jim Weil (14 points), sophomore Jason Joseph (13), Jeff Mironcow (9 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks) and Jim Thiele (8 points) led the way for Fremd (20-5), which became just the second District 211 school to make the MSL title game and would advance to its first supersectional.
1987 - Schaumburg 67, Fremd 64
February 25 at Schaumburg
Coaches: Schaumburg: Ron Cregier; Fremd: Mo Tharp
Leading scorers: Schaumburg: Mike Everitt 29; Fremd: Jeff Mironcow 21
Mike Everitt was going to Arizona State to play football but the 6-3, 240-pounder showcased his hoop skills with a career-high 29 points on 10-for-15 shooting, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. He also displayed his toughness by drawing a charging foul with four seconds left with Schaumburg (19-7) clinging to a 1-point lead. “I don’t know if this was my best game or not, it’s close,” Everitt said. “But this definitely was the most fun.” Mike Howlett (7 assists) hit the decisive 2 free throws at 0:03 and Kevin Romejko had 24 points as the Saxons led 63-54 with 2:32 left. “All the seniors played fantastic games,” Cregier said. “Mike has been through many wars and this was just another one of them.” Jeff Mironcow (17 of 21 points in second half) and George Poorman (14 points) led the late rally as Fremd (17-8) got within 65-64 at 0:14 on a Jason Joseph (21 points) steal and layup.
1988 - Fremd 84, Hoffman Estates 73
February 24 at Fremd
Coaches: Fremd: Mo Tharp; Hoffman Estates: Fred Bryant
Leading scorers: Fremd: Jason Joseph 29; HE: Kevin Wayer 24
Loyola-bound Jason Joseph (29 points, 11 rebounds) and Notre Dame football recruit George Poorman (11 points) made sure they didn’t go 0-for-3 in MSL title games. Fremd (24-1) rallied from a late first-half deficit and pulled away in the final 10½ minutes of its 20th consecutive victory. “Me and George wanted this one bad,” Joseph said. “A lot of it was defense in the second half. We wanted to make them earn their shots.” Todd Leslie (18 points) and future NFL veteran and Palatine mayor Jim Schwantz (14 points) helped Fremd set the school record for wins en route to its second supersectional trip in three years. Hoffman (19-6) went on a 22-11 burst to lead 44-37 but Fremd closed the final 1:57 of the first half on a tying 7-0 run. It was 54-54 with 2:25 left in the third when the Vikings went ahead to stay with a 7-0 run and pulled away on 15-for-19 free-throw shooting in the last 6:35. Kevin Wayer (24 points), Todd Maurer (22 points) and Bob Coakley (14 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds, 5 steals) led Hoffman.
1989 - Rolling Meadows 65, Fremd 60
February 22 at Rolling Meadows
Coaches: Rolling Meadows: Hank Szymanski; Fremd: Mo Tharp
Leading scorers: RM: Aaron Williams 17; Fremd: Todd Leslie 28
Fremd (19-6) was looking for Northwestern-bound star Todd Leslie (28 points) for a 3-pointer and overtime on an inbound play with four seconds left but Bill Howard intercepted those plans with a steal and layup to give Meadows (22-3) its first MSL title. Future NBA veteran Aaron Williams (17 points, 6 blocks), Mike Lipnisky (12 points) and Brad Martin (11 points) helped the Mustangs use a diamond-and-1 press to rally from a 54-47 deficit. Lipnisky hit a 3 at 2:06 for a 59-56 lead and Ryan O’Connor’s 2 free throws at 0:22 made it 63-60. “These kids are hungry,” Szymanski said. “Give them all the credit in the world. They’ve been winners all their lives. They’re really a group of champions.” Leslie scored 17 of the last 21 points to help Fremd rally from a 31-26 deficit. The Vikings would return to the Sweet 16 for the third time in four years.
1990 - Rolling Meadows 76, Buffalo Grove 69
February 21 at Buffalo Grove
Coaches: Rolling Meadows: Dave Brown; Buffalo Grove: Rich Roberts
Leading scorers: RM: Mike Lipnisky 29; BG: Mike Pauly 16
Not even the physical man-to-man defense of Buffalo Grove (17-8) before a full house of 2,500 could stop Meadows (23-2) and Northern Illinois-bound star Mike Lipnisky (29 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals) from a second consecutive title. When Brian McIntyre (17 points) hit a 3 with 5:28 to play, Lipnisky was fouled under the basket and hit both ends of the 1-and-1 for a 5-point play to push the lead to 66-60. “I haven’t played against that type of defense - physical, bumping and all that,” Lipnisky said. BG used a 16-4 tear to take a 28-23 lead and took its last lead late in the third at 52-51 on a Brian Hansen (15 points, 14 rebounds) basket. Mike Pauly (16 points), Mark Stefani (11) and Rob Paolillo (10) also led BG. Bryan Anderson added 10 for Meadows, which would advance to the Elite Eight.
1991 - Rolling Meadows 72, Hersey 60
February 21 at Rolling Meadows
Coaches: Rolling Meadows: Dave Brown; Hersey: Don Rowley
Leading scorers: RM: Pat Dudle 22; Hersey: Dimitrios Kouzoukas 21
Mike Lipnisky was gone but Meadows (21-4) was back to tie the MSL record of three consecutive titles by BG and Prospect as point guard Pat Dudle (22 points, 7 assists, 7 steals) led the way to its 17th win in 19 games. Zoran Nikolic added 20 and Jason Lee 8 points and 8 rebounds for the Mustangs. “I’m enjoying this one a little bit more than last year,” Dudle said. “All the guys are really close friends and we won it on the home court in front of a huge crowd.” Hersey (12-11) was within 54-52 with 4:33 left when Dudle sparked a 10-2 Meadows blitz. Hersey had won 8 of 10 and the North title on a tiebreaker despite losing the division finale to Barrington. The Huskies led 30-29 at halftime and 41-38 with 2:30 left in the third behind Dimitrios Kouzoukas (21 points), John Barnes (12) and Dan Larson (12, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks).
1992 - Hersey 66, Conant 59
February 26 at Hersey
Coaches: Hersey: Don Rowley; Conant: Tom McCormack
Leading scorers: Hersey: Jason Matthews, Dan Larson 16; Conant: Brett Sharkey 25
The Huskies (19-6) ended a 20-year MSL title drought by answering every Conant (20-5) challenge. Jason Matthews and 6-6 Dan Larson scored 16 apiece for the Huskies and Cyrus Turner came off the bench for 10 of his 15 points in the second quarter and surpassed his season high of 12. Hersey saw a 10-point lead 4:01 before halftime cut to 41-39 in the third but Matthews answered with 7 consecutive points. Conant sliced a 13-point deficit to 5 with a minute left but couldn’t overcome 30 percent shooting from the field (21-for-70) and missing 6 of 9 free throws in the fourth quarter. Conant’s Brett Sharkey had a game-high 25 points and five 3s and Todd Winkelhake added 11. “We knew we could beat them,” Matthews said. “They beat us over the summer but we beat them earlier in the year (82-72). We had a lot of confidence coming into this game.”
1993 - Palatine 59, Conant 52
February 24 at Conant
Coaches: Palatine: Ed Molitor; Conant: Tom McCormack
Leading scorers: Palatine: Marc Boone 21; Conant: Matt Walsh 27
Palatine (20-5) took control in the first half with a 30-18 lead and never let go for its first MSL title and a little payback for a 53-51 regional final loss the previous season. Star guard Marc Boone led the Pirates with 21 points. “We didn’t talk about it much during the year,” said Palatine’s Tony Harvey. “But as this game got closer, it was always in the back of our minds how we lost that game last year.” Molitor said they watched tape of the game and the players laughed at themselves because “they were skinnier, they had uglier haircuts.” Carlos Gonzalez limited Conant (19-6) scoring leader Corey Brown to 11 and star QB Jeff Hecklinski was a big factor on the boards for the Pirates. Matt Walsh scored a game-high 27 - including 16 of Conant’s 18 points in one stretch - but the Cougars could get no closer than 57-51 with 19 seconds to play.
1994 - Conant 84, Hersey 77
February 23 at Hersey
Coaches: Conant: Tom McCormack; Hersey: Don Rowley
Leading scorers: Conant: Corey Brown, Rick Kaye 21; Hersey: Thomas Rodgers 34
Rowley was only exaggerating slightly in the preview of arguably the most exciting MSL title game ever when he said he “wouldn’t be surprised if 200 points were scored and the first one to 101 points wins.” Conant (22-2), which came in ranked 14th in the state in Class AA by The Associated Press and averaging 87 points in a 6-game winning streak, tore out to leads of 15-2 and 40-18 just 2:50 into the second quarter. The dynamic Division I duo of Rick Kaye (Eastern Illinois) and Corey Brown (New Orleans) combined for 14 points in a 19-2 tear and had 8 first-half dunks. Kaye had 22 points and 6 slams at intermission but suffered a badly sprained ankle on a rebound 1:11 into the third quarter, spent the rest of the game in the athletic trainer’s room and was sidelined for the regional. Brown finished with 22 points, Ryan Johnson added 13 and future Colorado State football standout Rob Cieslinski had 10 points and 4 rebounds. “Once we make sure we’ve got the ball everyone takes off,” Brown said. “It’s beyond a fast break.” Thomas Rodgers had a career-high 34 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks for Hersey (20-5), Eastern Michigan-bound guard Jake Olson played on a sprained ankle for 12 points and a school-record 16 assists and Mark Schuler added 12 points. Conant became the second MSL champion to reach the Class AA Elite Eight.
1995 - Hersey 50, Schaumburg 36
February 22 at Schaumburg
Coaches: Hersey: Don Rowley; Schaumburg: Bob Williams
Leading scorers: Hersey: Paul Wolf 15; Schaumburg: Anthony Bagnole 9
In one year Hersey (21-4) went from playing in the second-highest scoring MSL title game to the second-lowest scoring in what Rowley called “as good a defense as Hersey basketball has ever played.” Star guard Paul Wolf had 8 of his game-high 15 points on 7-for-9 shooting in the first quarter and 11 at halftime as the Huskies led 26-12. “We really play our best when he’s leading us in scoring,” said Hersey senior Brad Bowsher after Wolf also had 4 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. “He has an uncanny ability to get the ball in the hole.” Bowsher had 11 and Michael White 10 as the Huskies shot 61 percent from the field (22-for-36). Schaumburg, which trailed 37-19 after three, shot just 33 percent from the field and 3-for-18 on 3s as Anthony Bagnole had a team-high 9 points. Hersey won its third MSL title and second in four years and made its third Class AA Elite Eight trip to Champaign.
1996 - Hoffman Estates 53, Palatine 34
February 21 at Palatine
Coaches: Hoffman Estates: Bill Wandro; Palatine: Ed Molitor
Leading scorers: HE: Mark Ganek 15; Palatine: Keith Peterson, Jared Sherman 8
Hoffman (22-3) played the percentages to win its first MSL title as it never trailed. It shot 82.4 percent from the field (14-for-17) in the second half and used its tough man-to-man defense and size to allow only 25 percent shooting (10-for-40) by Palatine (16-9). The powerful inside duo of 6-3 Mark Ganek (15 points) and 6-7 Nick Abruzzo (11 points) was complemented by Tony Reibel (10 points on 5-for-6 shooting) and playmaker Marty Manning. “I feel pretty proud of these guys,” Wandro said. “Because it’s the first time Hoffman can call the trophy theirs. They played an excellent defensive game and that’s what we were looking for.” Keith Peterson and Jared Sherman scored 8 points apiece to lead the Pirates.
1997 - Fremd 65, Prospect 50
February 26 at Prospect
Coaches: Fremd: Mo Tharp; Prospect: Glen Elms
Leading scorers: Fremd: Jeff Heinzl 25; Prospect: Matt Walpole 13
Fremd (21-4) and 6-5 Jeff Heinzl recovered from a rough start with a big finish for the program’s second MSL title. The Vikings fell behind 14-2 and Heinzl missed his only shot in a scoreless first quarter, but he finished with 25 points on 11-for-15 shooting and 8 rebounds as they pulled away with a 13-2 tear in the final 2:09. “When we do something we do it big,” Tharp said of the 27-point turnaround. “Our guys have played together a lot and they really don’t panic.” Point guard Nick Panzino had 15 points and 8 assists and Andre Duncan had 10 points and 7 steals as Fremd switched from man-to-man to an extended zone to extend its lead to 50-39 with 6 minutes left. Prospect (17-8), despite 19 turnovers, got within 52-48 with 2:25 left behind Matt Walpole (13 points), Erik Faust (12), Aaron Adams (11, 8 rebounds) and Mike Reuter (10).
1998 - Fremd 60, Rolling Meadows 51
February 25 at Fremd
Coaches: Fremd: Mo Tharp; Rolling Meadows: Dave Brown
Leading scorers: Fremd: Eddie Hebert 21; RM: Rob Garnes 22
Fremd (22-3) ran to a repeat and its third MSL title with the Duncan brothers providing a big boost to scoring leader Eddie Hebert (21 points, 8 rebounds). Senior Andre Duncan (13 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 6 steals) and freshman Brian Duncan (11 points, 4 assists, 3 steals, 3 rebounds) teamed up on a crucial sequence after Meadows (16-10) used a 12-0 run to cut its deficit to 41-40 with 6 minutes left. Brian Duncan rebounded his brother’s miss and kicked it out to Roy Pederson, who sprained his ankle in practice a day earlier, for his third 3. Brian then stole the inbound and used Alvin Wang as the middleman for Andre’s layup in a 9-0 run that put Fremd up 50-40. “We had the experience and we knew what it took,” Hebert said. Meadows’ standout Rob Garnes had a game-high 22 points and 9 rebounds and Dan Sommerschield added three 3s for 9 points. “The experience of the championship game,” Garnes said. “They knew how to handle it.” Fremd’s consecutive victories made it a 14-14 North-South stalemate with East-West division realignment taking effect the next school year.
1999 - Schaumburg 68, Prospect 54
February 24 at Prospect
Coaches: Schaumburg: Bob Williams; Prospect: Glen Elms
Leading scorers: Schaumburg: Larry English 20; Prospect: Taki Mullins 16
A big 23-6 second-half surge led Schaumburg (22-2) its second MSL title as junior guard Larry English had a career-high 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting in the MSL’s first East-West title bout. English’s 3 erased the last lead for Prospect (16-9) at 38-36 and the Saxons, who came into the game ranked eighth in the state in the Class AA AP poll, pulled away to a 59-44 lead at 4:42. “Going 10-0 (in the MSL West) we knew we had to come out and win this game,” English said. “This was the icing on the cake for us.” Prospect didn’t make it a piece of cake behind Taki Mullins (16 points), Steve Richenberger (15, 12 rebounds) and David Oleksy (10, 7 rebounds) but shot just 37.5 percent from the field (18-for-48) and committed 20 turnovers. Schaumburg also got big efforts from Antoine McDaniel (14 points, 5 rebounds), Mark Pancratz (10, 4 assists) and Dwayne James (8 second-half points). “I’m sure the kids are enjoying it and it’s a great thing for them,” Williams said. “This is fun for the kids. But as far as I’m concerned I hope they learned something for the state tournament.” They did as they finished fourth to join Fremd’s 1993 fourth-place finisher as the only MSL boys basketball state trophy winners.
2000 - Schaumburg 61, Hersey 38
February 23 at Schaumburg
Coaches; Schaumburg: Bob Williams; Hersey: Don Rowley
Leading scorers: Sch: Larry English 19; Hersey: Keith Plywaczynski, Ryan Kelly 14
For the second consecutive year the Saxons (20-5) turned up the defense in the second half and pulled away to a repeat MSL title as Larry English scored 11 of his game-high 19 points in the fourth quarter and 6-7 John Thorsen had 15 points and 7 rebounds. But their first-half defense was also crucial as they led 27-22 and Williams said “that’s what allows you to be a championship team.” Schaumburg started the second half on a 13-2 tear and scored 30 points off 28 turnovers by Hersey (15-11), which also shot just 36 percent (14-for-39) from the field. Keith Plywaczynski had 14 for the Huskies and 6-7 Ryan Kelly scored 12 of his 14 in the first half. “We knew everybody would be gunning for us,” English said. “We knew we had to step it up or we weren’t going to win this game.”
2001 - Schaumburg 62, Prospect 53
February 21 at Prospect
Coaches: Schaumburg: Bob Williams; Prospect: Dominic Cannon
Leading scorers: Schaumburg: Mark Pancratz 18; Prospect: Andrew Mays 16
Schaumburg (21-3) scored the first 9 points and never trailed en route to becoming the fourth MSL title three-peater with Buffalo Grove (1976-78), Prospect (1984-86) and Rolling Meadows (1989-91). But the Saxons, who led 36-23 early in the second half, had to look back to see Prospect (14-11) closing in at 50-48 with 3:12 left when Dan Johnson found Mike Anderson for a 3-point play. Mark Pancratz (10 of 18 points in fourth quarter, 6 rebounds, 6 assists), Tony Young (8 of 12 in fourth), James Han (6 points, 5 assists) and Ryan Walter (7, 5 rebounds) sparked a 6-point run that put the Saxons on the way to their 13th consecutive win and fourth MSL crown. Andrew Mays had 16 points and made all 6 of his shots from the field and 6-6 sophomore Craig Anderson added 11 for the Knights. “It feels good to win three but it was really ugly,” Pancratz said. “We didn’t do too many good things. But it still feels good. It’s my third one and the program’s third in a row so we must be doing something right.” The ultimate proof came on St. Patrick’s Day in Peoria when the Saxons upset top-ranked Thornwood and 7-foot future NBA player Eddy Curry for the MSL’s only boys basketball state title.
2002 - Elk Grove 68, Schaumburg 60
February 20 at Schaumburg
Coaches: Elk Grove: Steve Messer; Schaumburg: Bob Williams
Leading scorers: EG: Terry Evans 24; Schaumburg: Zach Pancratz 19
Schaumburg’s pursuit of a record fourth consecutive MSL title appeared solid with a 41-32 lead early in the second half. Then Elk Grove (21-6) turned it around and won its first MSL crown behind seniors Terry Evans (game-high 24 points), Mike Madden (12 of 17 in second half) and George Cotseones (14, 6 rebounds). Sophomore Scott Scholten held Schaumburg (18-7) senior Tony Young, who would have an excellent career at Southern Illinois, to 10 on 3-for-13 shooting. Elk Grove had a chance to clinch the East crown outright but got the tiebreaker to the title game after a bizarre season-ending loss to Hersey. “We came out to prove something tonight,” Evans said after missing 8 of his first 9 shots. “It’s amazing and I’m glad to be a part of it.” Madden’s pump-fake lean-in 3 tied it at the third-quarter buzzer and the Grens went ahead for good with a 9-3 spurt to start the fourth. Zach Pancratz had 19 points to lead Schaumburg, which shot just 4-for-15 in the fourth and committed 20 turnovers as its 32-game home winning streak was snapped. “It’s nice to see what I consider first-place quality kids actually get to be in first place,” Messer said.
2003 - Schaumburg 74, Buffalo Grove 70
February 26 at Buffalo Grove
Coaches: Schaumburg: Bob Williams; Buffalo Grove: Ryan O’Connor
Leading scorers: Schaumburg: Zach Pancratz 30; BG: John Clancy 26
A shot at redemption saw Schaumburg (17-7) win its fourth title in five years behind the dynamic junior duo of Zach Pancratz (30 points on 9-for-13 shooting, 13 rebounds) and 6-8 Craig Reichel (22 points, 6 blocks, 5 rebounds). Jim Kalcsits added 10 points and 5 assists for the Saxons, who started the season 6-6. “We were talking about it before the game that we wanted to come out and prove something,” Reichel said. Pancratz and BG (16-10) senior John Clancy (26 points) put on a first-half show with 18 points apiece and a Clancy free throw gave the Bison a 38-30 lead nine seconds after intermission. A layup by 6-6 Brett Gerken (12 points, 5 rebounds) put BG up 62-61 at 2:23, but Reichel responded with a 6-footer over Gerken at 2:08 to start a 7-0 run that put the Saxons ahead to stay. Pancratz sealed their fifth title with a free throw with three seconds left. “The team got together and we said, ‘Remember how we felt after this game last year,’” Pancratz said. “We’ve worked so hard for this all season.” Adam Stuart added 12 points and Rob Herzog 9 and 5 assists for the Bison, who were looking for their first MSL title since 1981.
2004 - Hoffman Estates 47, Wheeling 34
February 25 at Hoffman
Coaches: Hoffman Estates: Bill Wandro; Wheeling: Lou Wool
Leading scorers: HE: Jonny Reibel 14; Wheeling: Alex Washington 17
Hoffman Estates’ 1996 and 2004 MSL champions were vastly different in size and style but similar in the way they used stifling defense to allow the second-fewest points in a title game at 34. That allowed the Hawks (25-2), who came in ranked 15th in the Class AA state AP poll, to survive a nightmare second quarter of 0-for-9 from the field (0-8 on 3s) and 4 turnovers as they scored an MSL record fewest points for a title-game winner. Jonny Reibel had 14 points and 7 assists as Hoffman broke out to a 19-10 lead late in the first quarter. “Everyone was jacked - especially the seniors,” Reibel said. “We’re loving every minute of it.” Not so much when Wheeling (17-8), making its first title-game appearance, got within 19-18 with 3:59 left in the half and 23-20 at halftime behind junior Alex Washington (game-high 17 points). Hoffman took control with a 12-4 burst to open the second half as Branden Jung added 11 points and 6 rebounds while flu-ridden standout Bryan Mead was held to 6 on 2-for-13 shooting. Alex Yekelchik added 8 points for Wheeling. “We took care of business at the defensive end and that’s something you can rely on to get you through the tough times,” Wandro said. Hoffman also followed the script of the 1996 team by reaching the Class AA Elite Eight in Peoria.
2005 - Conant 70, Elk Grove 68 (OT)
February 23 at Elk Grove
Coaches: Conant: Tom McCormack; Elk Grove: Steve Messer
Leading scorers: Conant: Tim Collins 25; EG: Alex Malinowski 27
Conant (21-4) went from cruising to MSL and neighborhood bragging rights to rallying late in regulation and surviving for its fourth title and first since 1994 in just the second league championship to go to overtime. Tim Collins scored 18 of his career-high 25 to push Conant to a 29-13 lead 3:05 before halftime. But Elk Grove (16-13), which lost its last two division games to finish in a three-way tie for first in the East, rallied behind Alex Malinowski (career-high 27), Tim Podulka (10) and Luke Miller (10, 6 rebounds) for its first led at 57-55 with 3:58 left in regulation. “We knew we couldn’t just coast and we knew it wasn’t over,” said Conant senior Will Meister. Tom Almanzo’s steal and off-balance drive put the Grens up 61-60 at 0:32. Meister (13 points) hit the second of 2 free throws at 0:11 to tie it and Almanzo’s 3 spun out at 0:03 to force overtime. Malinowski’s floating one-hander in the lane over 6-6 Fred Taylor (12 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks) gave Elk Grove its last lead at 66-65 at 1:44, but Meister hit a 10-foot pullup at 1:08 and the 5-8 Aagam Shah (9 points) drew a charge and hit 2 free throws seven seconds later. Malinowski hit 2 of 3 free throws at 0:51, Shah hit the second of 2 free throws at 0:12 and Malinowski’s heavily pressured 25-footer from out top was short at the buzzer. “We knew it would be a dogfight coming in,” Shah said. “We knew it wouldn’t be anything easy and we had to fight for everything we got.”
2006 - Hersey 62, Schaumburg 55
February 22 at Schaumburg
Coaches: Hersey: Don Rowley; Schaumburg: Bob Williams
Leading scorers: Hersey: Luke Fabrizius 19; Schaumburg: Jake Pancratz 16
Hersey (18-8) kept its composure despite losing 9- and 6-point leads in the third quarter and falling behind by 1 point three times in the fourth quarter to win its fourth MSL crown and first since 1999. Point guard Sean Dwyer scored 10 of his 17 points in the final 4:23 and had 9 assists and 5 rebounds and 6-7 sophomore Luke Fabrizius put on a show for Northwestern coach Bill Carmody and the Wisconsin staff. Fabrizius had a game-high 19 points on 5-for-7 shooting behind the 3-point arc and 7 second-half blocked shots. His 2 free throws off an offensive rebound put Hersey ahead to stay at 53-52 with 2:53 left and Dwyer followed with a driving 3-point play. Dwyer went 9-for-10 on free throws and Hersey made its last 13 to finish 21-for-25 compared to 12-for-21 by Schaumburg (16-7). Six-7 Sean Bayless added 10 and Mark Laut 8 for the Huskies. Jake Pancratz had a team-high 16 with four 3s for the Saxons but fouled out at 2:53, Drew Jackson had 14 points and 8 rebounds and Grant Monroe added 9 points. “This was a team goal and a personal goal since the start of the year,” Dwyer said. “To see us experience it and get it, it can’t get any better than this.” Schaumburg would rebound to make its third Elite Eight trip to Peoria under Williams since 1999.
2007 - Conant 67, Buffalo Grove 58
February 21 at Buffalo Grove
Coaches: Conant: Tom McCormack; Buffalo Grove: Ryan O’Connor
Leading scorers: Conant: Todd Strauch 20; BG: Ryan O’Gara 32
Todd Strauch celebrated his 18th birthday a day late by hitting 10 of his first 11 shots for career-high 20 points. The 6-1 senior also had a team-high 8 rebounds as Conant (23-2) won its fifth MSL title and second in three years. With BG (19-6) having point guard Brian DeSimone focus on senior scoring leader Geoff McCammon, who played at Loyola and professionally overseas, Strauch and his teammates were the beneficiaries. “We have so many weapons,” Conant’s Eric Loos said after scoring 15 points. Dan Gilhooly hit three 3s and scored all 13 of his points in the first 11:41, McCammon scored 8 of his 10 in the fourth quarter, Jeff Divito and Adam Strauch had 8 and 4 assists respectively and Matt Collins had 6 points and 5 rebounds in his second game back from an ankle injury. Conant pushed a 35-29 halftime lead to 56-42 with 4:46 left as it shot 63.4 percent from the field (26-for-41). BG senior Ryan O’Gara had a career-high 32 points on 12-for-17 shooting (including 4-for-4 on 3s) but DeSimone was held to 9 on 4-for-11 shooting by Gilhooly. “It’s good but we still have a lot of work to do,” Loos said. Conant would reach the Class AA supersectional.
2008 - Conant 61, Buffalo Grove 51
February 20 at Conant
Coaches: Conant: Tom McCormack. Buffalo Grove: Ryan O’Connor
Leading scorers: Conant: Bill Charvat 13; BG: Brian DeSimone 11
The Conant (19-6) understudies from a year earlier got their chance in the spotlight to repeat as MSL champions, win a third title in four years and tie Prospect for the most title-game victories at six. Fittingly, one of the stars was senior Bill Charvat, who came off the bench averaging 2 points a game to shake off a sore throat and headache for a career-high 13 points. “Last year’s team was phenomenal and we were considered nobodies,” Charvat said. “We came out and proved ourselves to everybody.” Senior scoring leader Tommy Sotos was limited to 3 points after suffering a cut in his eye early in the second half, but junior Tony Rizzo (12 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists), senior point guard Jeff Keegan (11 points, 4 assists) and Tim Gilhooly (11 points) helped Conant use 16 assists to shoot 59 percent from the field (20-for-34) en route to a 50-32 lead with 6:55 to play. Tom Mahr, Chris Hoffman and David Trinco had 19 of the Cougars’ 33-17 rebound advantage. “I’m really, really happy for our guys,” McCormack said. “Especially for most of them to have been on the bench and watching last year.” BG (18-8) shot just 31 percent (16-for-52) as Brian DeSimone was held to 11 on 4-for-15 shooting by Rizzo and Paul Timko, Chris Timberg and James Hurley had 10 points apiece.
2009 - Prospect 61, Schaumburg 57 (OT)
February 25 at Prospect
Coaches: Prospect: John Camardella; Schaumburg: Bob Williams
Leading scorers: Prospect: Joe LaTulip 24; Sch: Blake Mueller, Josh Spandiary 13
A quick transition play from Joe LaTulip to Kevin Reed for a tiebreaking 3-point play with 47 seconds left in overtime completed the quick transition of success in Camardella’s second year in charge as Prospect (19-6) won its MSL record seventh title game but first since 1986. LaTulip had a game-high 24 points on 9-for-16 shooting and 3-for-6 on 3s and the 6-7 Reed missed his first 5 shots but hit his last 6 and scored 8 of his 14 points in overtime. Jack Redding (16 points, 7 rebounds) and Jason Leblebijian (15 points) helped the Knights lead 35-26. Schaumburg (20-6), which won the first meeting in January 63-50, responded and led 44-41 after Perrish Bell’s steal and 3-point play. The Knights never trailed in the final 7:16 but Schaumburg tied it and forced the third overtime title game at 51-51 when Blake Mueller (13, 11 rebounds) scored off his own miss with :30 left in regulation. Josh Spandiary had 13 points and three 3s for the Saxons. “It’s unreal and they are a great team,” LaTulip said of Schaumburg. “Who would have thought it would happen this quick (under Camardella). It’s a great feeling. Amazing.”
2010 - Fremd 67, Prospect 58
February 24 at Fremd
Coaches: Fremd: Bob Widlowski; Prospect: John Camardella
Leading scorers: Fremd: Zach Monaghan 23; Prospect: Mike LaTulip 18
The first appearance in the MSL title game by Fremd (24-1) in 12 years also started a pattern for the decade. If the Vikings made it they were leaving with the championship trophy. Balance was the key to crown No. 4 with Zach Monaghan, who had a long overseas pro career, scoring 16 of his 23 in the final 10:44, Quinn Williams (17 on 6-for-11 shooting), Chris Klimek (14, 7 rebounds) and Charlie Rosenberg (9, 4) leading the Vikings to 53.3 percent shooting from the field (23-for-48). “This is just awesome with everybody coming out (on the floor) to celebrate a big win,” Klimek said. Defending champion Prospect (16-9) was led by Jack Redding (15 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists) and Mike LaTulip (18 points) and cut a 30-16 deficit to 38-35 when Joe LaTulip found Jake Suckow for a layup. Monaghan countered with a 25-foot response to start an 8-1 surge that put the Vikings back in control. “We had goals at the beginning and this was one of the major ones,” Monaghan said. It was also the first title game where both coaches were alums of MSL schools - Widlowski (Palatine) and Camardella (Hersey).
2011 - Prospect 56, Barrington 44
February 23 at Prospect
Coaches: Prospect: John Camardella; Barrington: Bryan Tucker
Leading scorers: Prospect: Terry Redding 16; Barrington: Brad Zaumseil 13
Prospect (17-7) responded to its offense being slowed to 9 points under its MSL-leading average of 65 a game by allowing 11 fewer than its norm. That added to the Knights’ records of 8 title-game victories and 10 overall crowns. “We can win all different ways,” said senior Grant DePalma after he doubled his season average for 12 points with two 3s and 3 assists. “What a great way to prove it - in the championship game. It was a perfect team effort.” Terry Redding (16 points, 14 rebounds), Mike LaTulip (14, 4 assists), Matt Loebbaka (9 points) and Will Botefuhr (9 rebounds) were also keys as the Knights had a rebound advantage of 37-28 and forced Barrington (18-10) into 32 percent shooting from the field (18-for-56) and 4-for-21 on 3s. The Broncos, making their first title-game trip in 32 years, tied it at 27-27 on a 3 by Tyler Weathered (10 points), but Brad Reibel scored off a miss to start a 12-1 Prospect surge that included 6 points from Redding. Barrington got no closer than 39-33 with 6:26 left as Brad Zaumseil scored 13 and John Schneider added 10. “Tonight was a balanced effort and we really had to put aside any adversity we faced this year,” LaTulip said. “We had one common goal, to win a conference championship and we did it.”
2012 - Schaumburg 69, Rolling Meadows 51
February 22 at Schaumburg
Coaches: Schaumburg: Matt Walsh; Meadows: Kevin Katovich
Leading scorers: Schaumburg: Christian Spandiary 28; RM: Brian Nelms 15
It was a “six-cess” for Schaumburg (21-5) as it rolled to its sixth MSL title and first since 2003 behind Christian Spandiary (14 of his 28 points in the final 6:47) and Jimmy Lundquist (21 points on 8-for-12 shooting, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, three 3s). “We haven’t won it in awhile so it feels good to bring it back to Schaumburg,” Lundquist said. Schaumburg shot 48 percent from the field (25-for-52) and committed only 9 turnovers as Cole Reyes and Joey Faleni helped absorb having starting point guard Kyle Bolger sidelined with a shoulder injury. Meadows (16-10), making its first title-game trip in 14 years, shot just 30.3 percent through three quarters (10-for-33) and committed 18 turnovers that Schaumburg parlayed into 24 points. Meadows led 10-9 after one but committed 8 turnovers as it was outscored 16-3 in the second quarter. Schaumburg erased any doubt with a 17-0 run to lead 44-19 with 2:47 left in the third in its 12th win in 13 games. Brian Nelms (15 points, 6 assists) and Mike Dolan (9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists) led the way for Meadows. “I’m so proud and so happy for our guys,” Walsh said. “They’re such an unselfish, hard-working group that deserves this.” It is the only time where both title-game coaches were alums of the same MSL school as Walsh and Katovich played for Tom McCormack at Conant.
2013 - Schaumburg 43, Prospect 40 (2 OT)
February 20 at Prospect
Coaches: Schaumburg: Matt Walsh; Prospect: John Camardella
Leading scorers: Schaumburg: Kyle Bolger 24; Prospect: Bobby Frasco 19
There weren’t a lot of points but there was plenty of drama as Schaumburg (17-9) won its seventh title and became the eighth repeat MSL champion behind Kyle Bolger (24 points, 10-for-12 free throws, 4 assists). Bolger found Jimmy Lundquist (9 points, 6 rebounds) for a 3 that put the Saxons up 41-40 in the second OT and Bolger hit 2 free throws at 0:37 before Prospect (15-10) missed a chance to force a third OT. “It was an uphill fight all night and that’s a credit to Prospect,” Walsh said. Bobby Frasco (19 points) put the Knights ahead with a score to start the second OT and helped them rally from a 5-point deficit in the final :45 of regulation with a drive and a 3 at 0:12. Prospect led 31-26 with 5:55 left in regulation when Tommy Flahaven, who played all 40 minutes, hit his second 3. The Knights also had a 29-14 rebound advantage led by Mike Houghton (7 points, 9 rebounds) and Devin O’Hara (6, 8 rebounds). “It was gut-wrenching,” Frasco said. “There were so many turnarounds. They were up, we were up. It was back and forth the whole time and just a fun game to be in.”
2014 - Fremd 55, Prospect 52
February 26 at Fremd
Coaches: Fremd: Bob Widlowski; Prospect: John Camardella
Leading scorers: Fremd: Riley Glassmann 24; Prospect: Bobby Frasco 21
Fremd (25-0) came in without a loss and ranked sixth in the Class 4A AP poll but didn’t come out with their fifth title easily. Prospect (15-11) rallied from a 14-point third-quarter deficit and had a chance to tie. Four-year varsity player Riley Glassmann scored 16 of his 24 points in the first half for the Vikings to give Widlowski his 200th career victory. “On our home court, this is amazing,” Glassmann said. “With all my friends and family here, this is awesome.” Fremd led 38-24 on a 3 by Xavier Williams (9 points) with 6:06 left in the third but the Knights rallied behind Bobby Frasco (21 points) and Kyle Formanski (15), whose 3 cut the deficit to 48-45 at 2:38. Grant Miller’s 3 cut it to 54-52 with :17 left, but Fremd’s Ben Carlson hit 1 of 2 free throws at :12.2 and Kyle Beyak’s tying 3 try rimmed off. Matt Ochoa added 9 points and 5 rebounds and Garrett Groot added 8 for Fremd despite leaving briefly in the third quarter after knocking out part of his front teeth in a loose-ball scramble. Fremd would improve to 28-0 before losing in the sectional final to Stevenson and future NBA all-star and two-time NCAA champion Jalen Brunson.
2015 - Barrington 62, Hersey 44
February 25 at Hersey
Coaches: Barrington: Bryan Tucker; Hersey: Steve Messer
Leading scorers: Barrington: Rapolas Ivanauskas 24; Hersey: Max Heeren 10
A cut near the left eye of 6-9 junior Rapolas Ivanauskas was a small price to pay as Barrington (22-6) joined its 1979 team as MSL champions. Ivanauskas had 24 points, 16 rebounds and 3 blocked shots - with 9 first-quarter boards pushing the Broncos to a 15-5 lead. “We are really proud to be bringing the trophy to Barrington,” Ivanauskas said. “This was one of our goals since the start of this season.” But it wasn’t as easy as it appeared as Hersey (17-9) forced 12 turnovers to get within 28-25 at halftime and led 35-32 with 4:33 left in the third on a 3 by Mike Lelito. Barrington responded with a 7-0 run to lead for good on a Chris Lester (11 points) drive, Scott Bennett (career-high 16 points) rebound basket and Ivanauskas 3-point play off a miss. Two 3s by Tristen Becker (8 points) started a 16-0 run to put the Broncos up 59-39. Max Heeren had 10 points and Joe Coffaro added 9 for Hersey, which was 4-for-22 on 3-pointers and 8-for-17 on free throws.
2016 - Conant 41, Prospect 35
February 24 at Conant
Coaches: Conant; Tom McCormack; Prospect: John Camardella
Leading scorers: Conant: Jimmy Sotos 22; Prospect: Matt Szuba 10
Conant (19-6) was on the right end of what matched the lowest-scoring MSL title game with 76 total points (Conant lost 48-28 in 1976) as 22 of them came from sophomore Jimmy Sotos. Ryan “Big Country” Davis had 9 points and 6 rebounds to help the Cougars hang on for their seventh MSL crown. “It’s great to play in this environment,” McCormack said. “The neat thing about this game is it is a marathon. And now it becomes a sprint, because you take it game-by-game, and if you lose you are done.” Conant led 18-9 but Prospect (14-11) rallied to within 31-30 with 3:30 left on 3s by Matt Szuba (10 points) and Frankie Mack (9). Conant’s Ben Schols (7) and Prospect’s David Swedura (8) traded 3s but a short shot by Davis and layup by Chima Oducha put the Cougars up 38-33 at 0:41. Mack cut the Knights’ deficit to 3 but Schols and Sotos sealed it by hitting 3 of 4 free throws. Conant’s 1-2-2 defense forced Prospect to commit 14 turnovers and shoot just 7-for-23 on 3s. “It was very exciting to win,” Sotos said. “We were very motivated to win because they beat us earlier this year.”
2017 - Fremd 57, Prospect 55
February 22 at Prospect
Coaches: Fremd: Bob Widlowski; Prospect: John Camardella
Leading scorers: Fremd: Kyle Sliwa 23; Prospect: Frankie Mack 15
Never had two teams entered the MSL title game hotter with Fremd unbeaten in 25 games and Prospect on a 14-game winning streak. Their second showcase matchup in four years lived up to its billing as Fremd (26-0), which came in ranked fifth in the Class 4A AP poll, won its sixth title as it thwarted four Prospect (21-5) inbound plays in the final eight seconds. Kyle Sliwa scored 15 of his game-high 23 points in the first half, was shutout in the third quarter, but had 8 points in a decisive 9-0 run to put Fremd up 54-48 with 1:49 left. “None of us had been to a conference championship,” Sliwa said, “so we were focused on a conference championship more than an undefeated season.” Prospect went 0-for-5 from the field with 2 turnovers during the run but Frankie Mack (15 points) stole a downcourt inbound pass and drove for a layup to cut the deficit to 57-55 at 0:08. The Knights got the ball back on a 5-second call on the inbound and had four opportunities to tie or win. Fremd used its two fouls to give, forced a held ball and then with 3.1 seconds left, Shaan Patel (6 points, 8 rebounds) and Luke Schoffstall (10 points) knocked away the inbound pass near midcourt and time expired. “It felt like 80 seconds,” Widlowski said of the nerve-wracking final 8 seconds. David Swedura added 14 points for Prospect and Matt Szuba had 12 points and 6 rebounds. Brian Dompke had 10 points and 6 rebounds for Fremd, which took a 31-0 record to the Class 4A state tournament before losing twice to finish in fourth place.
2018 - Prospect 54, Barrington 44
February 21 at Barrington
Coaches: Prospect: John Camardella; Barrington: Bryan Tucker
Leading scorers: Prospect: David Swedura 19; Barrington: Jack Reinhard 11
Prospect (21-5) and senior guard David Swedura used a big third quarter to erase the disappointment of falling short the previous two years and add to its MSL record with its ninth title-game victory. Swedura’s game-high 19 points included the 1,000th of his prep career as the Knights were in the midst of a 21-point third quarter to turn a 24-19 deficit into a 40-34 lead. “Winning this, for sure, was so important,” Swedura said. “I am so proud of our guys. It is a great feeling to have done this.” Prospect overcame 1-for-15 shooting beyond the 3-point arc for its 10th win in 11 games and first MSL title since 2011. Tim Lussenhop added 15 points, Jon Kreidler scored all 9 of his points in the third and Jalen McLachlan made a big defensive impact with 4 blocked shots. “I feel good for Dave Swedura and these seniors,” Camardella said. Barrington (21-6), which had a 9-game winning streak snapped, got no closer than 49-44 with 1:31 left. Jack Reinhard score 9 of his 11 points in the first half and Anthony Spann add 10.
2019 - Fremd 75, Prospect 72 (2 OT)
February 20 at Prospect
Coaches: Fremd: Bob Widlowski; Prospect: John Camardella
Leading scorers: Fremd: Bryce Hopkins 24; Prospect: Jon Kreidler 26
Fremd (20-4) was in good hands with Bryce Hopkins dribbling the ball just inside mid-court with time winding down in the second overtime. Hopkins delivered a step-back 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds to play to give the Vikings their seventh MSL title-game victory and finish a 24-point, 11-rebound performance. “It felt good,” Hopkins said after scoring all 7 of Fremd’s points in the second OT. “It felt even better when it went in. I think I am still going to go home and take it all in. It is kind of fresh right now, but it feels good.” Prospect (14-14) got its own dramatic shot to force overtime when Ben Zellmer (12 points) hit a 35-footer at the buzzer for a 57-57 tie. There were 6 lead changes and 3 ties in the first OT and Fremd’s Dean Ganas (14 points) tied it at 68-68 on a 3-point play with 14.1 seconds to go. Prospect’s Jon Kreidler (26 points) had a perfect shooting night on 8 attempts from the field, 6 from the free-throw line and 4 from 3-point range. Sam Murray (13 points) and T.J. Johannesen (12) helped the Knights take a 14-point second-quarter lead. Kayman Hopkins (14 points, 12 rebounds), Jake Schoffstall (13) and Tim Carlisle (8) helped the Vikings rally to lead 56-52 with 14.2 seconds left in regulation. “So close tonight,” Camardella said. “The game was lost, then it was won, then it was lost. When you get Fremd and Prospect together you often times get these games.”
2020 - Schaumburg 49, Buffalo Grove 43
February 28 at Schaumburg
Coaches: Schaumburg: Wade Heisler; Buffalo Grove: Keith Peterson
Leading scorers: Schaumburg: Chris Hodges 14; BG: Kam Craft 17
Schaumburg (24-6) rebounded from a late deficit to win its eighth MSL title behind 6-8 Chris Hodges (14 points, 12 rebounds) and fourth-year varsity player Jason Schoo (13, 8 rebounds). Buffalo Grove (23-7) took a 43-42 lead at 2:31 on consecutive baskets by sophomore standout Kam Craft (17 points, 8 rebounds). Hodges scored off a miss at 1:29 to put the Saxons ahead to stay, Schoo rebounded and found Vaurice Patterson Jr. for a layup at 1:12 and they hit 3 free throws in a 7-0 run to finish the game. “That’s a phenomenal team over there,” Heisler said of BG. “Our guys showed toughness. We talk to them all the time about running our (offensive) sets, boxing out, setting screens, taking charges, taking care of the ball, making the extra pass. That’s what makes us good.” Tyler Kipley added 9 points for BG. The Class 3A/4A postseasons would end before the sectional championship games and be canceled because of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021 - Rolling Meadows 49, Barrington 41
March 13 at Rolling Meadows
Coaches: Rolling Meadows: Kevin Katovich; Barrington: Bryan Tucker
Leading scorers: RM: Cameron Christie 22; Barrington: Will Grudzinski 15
Sophomore Cameron Christie scored 22 points to ensure his older brother Max finished his high school career a champion as Meadows (15-0) won the MSL crown in the COVID-shortened season where there was no IHSA postseason. Cameron Christie was 9-for-15 from the field with four 3s and Daniel Sobkowicz had 10 points and 5 rebounds. Max Christie, who passed BG’s Brian Allsmiller to become the MSL’s all-time leading scorer, had 8 points on 2-for-13 shooting as the focal point of the Barrington (10-3) defense but sealed the Mustangs’ first title in 30 years by hitting 4 free throws in the final :37. Barrington got within 40-39 at 5:12 on 3s by Will Grudzinski (15 points), Damian Zivak (8 points) and Evan Jno-Baptiste. Meadows answered as Cameron Christie hit a 3 off an Orlando Thomas offensive rebound and had a steal and dunk. “They put 3 or 4 guys on Max and the other guys stepped up,” Katovich said. “That’s what this team will be remembered for. In my opinion, Max Christie is the best player ever to play in the MSL. He will also go down in history as a guy who had a good team around him.” The Christie brothers would go on to play in the NBA.
2022 - Barrington 57, Rolling Meadows 49
February 16 at Barrington
Coaches: Barrington: Bryan Tucker; Rolling Meadows: Kevin Katovich
Leading scorers: Barrington: Will Grudzinski 23; RM: Cameron Christie 25
Barrington (23-4) got a chance to avenge its loss from a year earlier and closed the game on a 7-0 run with 7-for-8 free throw shooting by Will Grudzinski (23 points), Nick Bordenet and Nate Boldt. Point guard Daniel Hong scored 10 of his 17 points in the third quarter for the Broncos. “It (last year) stung a lot,” Hong said. “I played horrible that game. I have had it in the back of my head for a year now. I couldn’t let this chance slip away.” Evan Jno-Baptiste (9 points) and Grudzinski, with two 3s, sparked an 11-0 run that put the Broncos ahead 50-49 with 2:49 to play. Cameron Christie led Meadows (26-5) with 25 points and Orlando Thomas added 13. Barrington would go on to claim its first boys basketball state trophy as it finished third in the Class 3A tournament in Champaign.
2023 - Palatine 54, Rolling Meadows 52
February 15 at Rolling Meadows
Coaches: Palatine: Eric Millstone; Rolling Meadows: Kevin Katovich
Leading scorers: Palatine: Connor May 21; RM: Cameron Christie 26
A tense second half with 11 ties saw Palatine junior Tommy Elter (10 points) provide the final tiebreaker. The Pirates (23-6) took more than a minute off the clock until Elter drove through an opening with 37.2 seconds to play for their second title and first in 30 years. The stars came out in the third quarter as Palatine junior Connor May scored 11 of his 21 and Meadows senior Cameron Christie scored 10 of his game-high 26. Christie became the first player with three 20-point MSL title games. Tyler Swierczek and Sam Millstone added 11 and 10 points respectively for the Pirates. “It’s been fun. We have a really good group of kids and you want to see good kids get good things,” said Eric Millstone. “It’s fun to see their reaction and it’s fun to see them experience something not a lot of teams have experienced.” Palatine raced out to a 16-2 lead but Meadows responded to tie it at 18-18. Tsvet Sotirov added 13 points for the Mustangs (25-6), who were hurt by committing 3 of their 12 turnovers in the final three minutes.
2024 - Palatine 56, Rolling Meadows 44
February 14 at Palatine
Coaches: Palatine: Eric Millstone; Rolling Meadows: Kevin Katovich
Leading scorers: Palatine: Connor May 19; RM: Ian Militec, Jack Duffer 13
Tommy Elter’s defense fueled a dominant second half as Palatine (22-8) repeated as MSL champions. Connor May, who would pass former NBA World Champion Kevin McKenna as the school’s career scoring leader, had 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocked shots. Tony Balanganayi (12 points, 5 rebounds) and Elter (4 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals) helped the Pirates turn a 26-24 halftime deficit into a 43-31 lead. Meadows (21-9) cooled off after shooting 6-for-12 behind the arc in the first half and got no closer than 43-37 as Ian Militec and Jack Duffer scored 13 points apiece. “We set our goal on winning the championship,” May said. “That was our goal at every practice and every game to work our way to this point. We play for each other.” And the Pirates would continue playing all the way to Champaign as they finished their best season ever with a fourth-place Class 3A trophy.
Title Game Scoring (Individual)
45 - Dave Corzine (Hersey, 1972 vs. Prospect)
34 - Thomas Rodgers (Hersey, 1994 vs. Conant)
32 - Ryan O’Gara (Buffalo Grove, 2007 vs. Conant)
30 - Zach Pancratz (Schaumburg, 2003 vs. Buffalo Grove)
29 - Mike Everitt (Schaumburg, 1987 vs. Fremd)
29 - Jason Joseph (Fremd, 1988 vs. Hoffman Estates)
29 - Todd Leslie (Fremd, 1989 vs. Rolling Meadows)
29 - Mike Lipnisky (Rolling Meadows, 1990 vs. Buffalo Grove)
28 - Todd Wolfe (Arlington, 1984 vs. Prospect)
28 - Christian Spandiary (Schaumburg, 2012 vs. Rolling Meadows)
27 - Todd Wolfe (Prospect, 1985 vs. Buffalo Grove)
27 - Matt Walsh (Conant, 1993 vs. Palatine)
27 - Alex Malinowski (Elk Grove, 2005 vs. Conant)
26 - Dave Lundstedt (Prospect, 1971 vs. Hersey)
26 - Ed Williams (Buffalo Grove, 1980 vs. Conant)
26 - John Clancy (Buffalo Grove, 2003 vs. Schaumburg)
26 - Jon Kreidler (Prospect, 2019 vs. Fremd)
26 - Cameron Christie (Rolling Meadows, 2023 vs. Palatine)
25 - Paul Heesch (Buffalo Grove, 1981 vs. Forest View)
25 - Erik Bulmahn (Prospect, 1983 vs. Arlington)
25 - Brett Sharkey (Conant, 1992 vs. Hersey)
25 - Jeff Heinzl (Fremd, 1997 vs. Prospect)
25 - Tim Collins (Conant, 2005 vs. Elk Grove)
25 - Cameron Christie (Rolling Meadows, 2022 vs. Barrington)
24 - Brian Allsmiller (Buffalo Grove, 1977 vs. Rolling Meadows)
24 - Kevin Romejko (Schaumburg, 1987 vs. Fremd)
24 - Kevin Wayer (Hoffman Estates, 1988 vs. Fremd)
24 - Terry Evans (Elk Grove, 2002 vs. Schaumburg)
24 - Joe LaTulip (Prospect, 2009 vs. Schaumburg)
24 - Kyle Bolger (Schaumburg, 2013 vs. Prospect)
24 - Riley Glassmann (Fremd, 2014 vs. Prospect)
24 - Rapolas Ivanauskas (Barrington, 2015 vs. Hersey)
24 - Bryce Hopkins (Fremd, 2019 vs. Prospect)
23 - Jeff Cleveland (Arlington, 1974 vs. Conant)
23 - Brian Allsmiller (Buffalo Grove, 1976 vs. Conant)
23 - Zach Monaghan (Fremd, 2010 vs. Prospect)
23 - Kyle Sliwa (Fremd, 2017 vs. Prospect)
23 - Will Grudzinski (Barrington, 2022 vs. Rolling Meadows)
22 - Casey Rush (Prospect, 1971 vs. Hersey)
22 - Chris Berg (Arlington, 1983 vs. Prospect)
22 - Bill Zollinger (Buffalo Grove, 1985 vs. Prospect)
22 - Todd Maurer (Hoffman Estates, 1988 vs. Fremd)
22 - Pat Dudle (Rolling Meadows, 1991 vs. Hersey)
22 - Corey Brown (Conant, 1994 vs. Hersey)
22 - Rick Kaye (Conant, 1994 vs. Hersey)
22 - Rob Garnes (Rolling Meadows, 1998 vs. Fremd)
22 - Craig Reichel (Schaumburg, 2003 vs. Buffalo Grove)
22 - Jimmy Sotos (Conant, 2016 vs. Prospect)
22 - Cameron Christie (Rolling Meadows, 2021 vs. Barrington)
21 - Bruce Frase (Hersey, 1971 vs. Prospect)
21 - Tom Bowen (Conant, 1974 vs. Arlington)
21 - Glenn Weeks (Conant, 1980 vs. Buffalo Grove)
21 - Mike Matella (Forest View, 1981 vs. Buffalo Grove)
21 - Jeff Fuerst (Prospect, 1983 vs. Arlington)
21 - Jeff Mironcow (Fremd, 1987 vs. Schaumburg)
21 - Jason Joseph (Fremd, 1987 vs. Schaumburg)
21 - Dimitrios Kouzoukas (Hersey, 1991 vs. Rolling Meadows)
21 - Marc Boone (Palatine, 1993 vs. Conant)
21 - Eddie Hebert (Fremd, 1998 vs. Rolling Meadows)
21 - Jimmy Lundquist (Schaumburg, 2012 vs. Rolling Meadows)
21 - Bobby Frasco (Prospect, 2014 vs. Fremd)
21 - Connor May (Palatine, 2023 vs. Rolling Meadows)
20 - Mike Quade (Prospect, 1975 vs. Arlington)
20 - Zoran Nikolic (Hersey, 1991 vs. Rolling Meadows)
20 - Larry English (Schaumburg, 1999 vs. Prospect)
20 - Todd Strauch (Conant, 2007 vs. Buffalo Grove)
Multiple 20-Point Games
3 - Cameron Christie (Rolling Meadows 22 - 2021; 25 - 2022; 26 - 2023)
2 - Todd Wolfe (Arlington/Prospect 28 - 1984; 27 - 1985)
2 - Jason Joseph (Fremd 21 - 1987; 29 - 1988)
2 - Brian Allsmiller (Buffalo Grove 23 - 1976; 24 - 1977)
Total Team Titles (Includes Pre-Division Championships)
11 - Prospect (1966, 1968, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1984, 1985, 1986, 2009, 2011, 2018)
8 - Schaumburg (1987, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2012, 2013, 2020)
7 - Fremd (1988, 1997, 1998, 2010, 2014, 2017, 2019)
7 - Conant (1974, 1980, 1994, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2016)
4 - Buffalo Grove (1976, 1977, 1978, 1981)
4 - Rolling Meadows (1989, 1990, 1991, 2021)
4 - Hersey (1972, 1992, 1995, 2006)
4 - Arlington (1967, 1970, 1982, 1983)
3 - Barrington (1979, 2015, 2022)
3 - Palatine (1993, 2023, 2024)
2 - Maine West (1964, 1965)
2 - Wheeling (1968, 1969)
2 - Hoffman Estates (1996, 2004)
1 - Forest View (1966)
1 - Elk Grove (2002)
Total Title-Game Victories
9 - Prospect (1971, 1973, 1975, 1984, 1985, 1986, 2009, 2011, 2018)
8 - Schaumburg (1987, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2012, 2013, 2020)
7 - Conant (1974, 1980, 1994, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2016)
7 - Fremd (1988, 1997, 1998, 2010, 2014, 2017, 2019)
4 - Hersey (1972, 1992, 1995, 2006)
4 - Buffalo Grove (1976, 1977, 1978, 1981)
4 - Rolling Meadows (1989, 1990, 1991, 2021)
3 - Barrington (1979, 2015, 2022)
3 - Palatine (1993, 2023, 2024)
2 - Arlington (1982, 1983)
2 - Hoffman Estates (1996, 2004)
1 - Elk Grove (2002)
Title Game Appearances
21 - Prospect (1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
12 - Schaumburg (1987, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2020)
11 - Buffalo Grove (1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1990, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2020)
10 - Conant (1974, 1976, 1980, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2016)
10 - Fremd (1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1997, 1998, 2010, 2014, 2017, 2019)
10 - Rolling Meadows (1977, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998, 2012, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
9 - Hersey (1971, 1972, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2000, 2006, 2015)
6 - Barrington (1979, 2011, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2022)
6 - Arlington (1973, 1974, 1975, 1982, 1983, 1984)
4 - Palatine (1993, 1996, 2023, 2024)
4 - Elk Grove (1978, 1979, 2002, 2005)
3 - Hoffman Estates (1987, 1996, 2004)
1 - Forest View (1981)
1 - Wheeling (2004)
Title Game Winning Percentage
.750 - Palatine (3-1)
.700 - Conant (7-3), Fremd (7-3)
.667 - Schaumburg (8-4), Hoffman Estates (2-1)
.500 - Barrington (3-3)
.444 - Hersey (4-5)
.429 - Prospect (9-12)
.400 - Rolling Meadows (4-6)
.364 - Buffalo Grove (4-7)
.333 - Arlington (2-4)
.250 - Elk Grove (1-3)
.000 - Forest View (0-1), Wheeling (0-1)
Title-Game Victories - Coaches
5 - Tom McCormack (Conant)
4 - Bob Widlowski (Fremd), Paul Grady (Buffalo Grove), Bob Williams (Schaumburg)
3 - Bill Slayton (Prospect), Don Rowley (Hersey), Mo Tharp (Fremd), John Camardella (Prospect)
2 - Eric Millstone (Palatine), Matt Walsh (Schaumburg), Bill Wandro (Hoffman Estates), Dick Redlinger (Conant), Dave Brown (Rolling Meadows), Ron Ashley (Prospect), Bryan Tucker (Barrington), George Zigman (Arlington)
1 - Gary Cook (Barrington), Bud Bornman (Prospect), Ron Cregier (Schaumburg), Wade Heisler (Schaumburg), Hank Szymanski (Rolling Meadows), Ed Molitor (Palatine), Roger Steingraber (Hersey), Steve Messer (Elk Grove), Kevin Katovich (Rolling Meadows)
Title Game Appearances - Coaches
9 - John Camardella (Prospect)
8 - Bob Williams (Schaumburg)
7 - Tom McCormack (Conant)
6 - Don Rowley (Hersey), Mo Tharp (Fremd), George Zigman (Arlington)
5 - Paul Grady (Buffalo Grove), Bryan Tucker (Barrington), Kevin Katovich (Rolling Meadows)
4 - Bob Widlowski (Fremd), Bill Slayton (Prospect), Ron Ashley (Prospect)
3 - Dick Redlinger (Conant), Dave Brown (Rolling Meadows), Steve Messer (Elk Grove/Hersey), Glen Elms (Forest View/Prospect), Ryan O’Connor (Buffalo Grove)
2 - Eric Millstone (Palatine), Matt Walsh (Schaumburg), Bill Wandro (Hoffman Estates), Ed Molitor (Palatine), Roger Steingraber (Hersey), Ken Grams (Elk Grove), Rich Roberts (Buffalo Grove)
1 - Gary Cook (Barrington), Bud Bornman (Prospect), Ron Cregier (Schaumburg), Wade Heisler (Schaumburg), Hank Szymanski (Rolling Meadows), Bill Weinberg (Rolling Meadows), Fred Bryant (Hoffman Estates), Dominic Cannon (Prospect), Keith Peterson (Buffalo Grove), Lou Wool (Wheeling)
Title Game Winning Percentage - Coaches
1.000 - Bob Widlowski (Fremd, 4-0), Eric Millstone (Palatine, 2-0), Matt Walsh (Schaumburg, 2-0), Bill Wandro (Hoffman Estates, 2-0), Gary Cook (Barrington, 1-0), Bud Bornman (Prospect, 1-0), Ron Cregier (Schaumburg, 1-0), Wade Heisler (Schaumburg, 1-0), Hank Szymanski (Rolling Meadows, 1-0)
.800 - Paul Grady (Buffalo Grove, 4-1)
.750 - Bill Slayton (Prospect, 3-1)
.714 - Tom McCormack (Conant, 5-2)
.667 - Dick Redlinger (Conant, 2-1), Dave Brown (Rolling Meadows, 2-1)
.500 - Bob Williams (Schaumburg, 4-4), Don Rowley (Hersey, 3-3), Mo Tharp (Fremd, 3-3), Ron Ashley (Prospect, 2-2), Ed Molitor (Palatine, 1-1), Roger Steingraber (Hersey, 1-1)
.400 - Bryan Tucker (Barrington, 2-3)
.333 - John Camardella (Prospect, 3-6), George Zigman (Arlington, 2-4), Steve Messer (Elk Grove/Hersey, 1-2)
.200 - Kevin Katovich (Rolling Meadows, 1-4)
.000 - Bill Weinberg (Rolling Meadows, 0-1), Fred Bryant (Hoffman Estates, 0-1), Dominic Cannon (Prospect, 0-1), Keith Peterson (Buffalo Grove, 0-1), Lou Wool (Wheeling, 0-1), Ken Grams (Elk Grove, 0-2), Rich Roberts (Buffalo Grove, 0-2), Glen Elms (Forest View/Prospect, 0-3), Ryan O’Connor (Buffalo Grove, 0-3)
Consecutive Titles (Title Games and Pre-Division)
3 - Buffalo Grove (1976-78), Prospect (1984-86), Rolling Meadows (1989-91), Schaumburg (1999-2001)
2 - Maine West (1964-65), Wheeling (1968-69), Arlington (1982-83), Fremd (1997-98), Conant (2007-08), Schaumburg (2012-13), Palatine (2023-24)
Consecutive Title Game Victories
3 - Buffalo Grove (1976-78), Prospect (1984-86), Rolling Meadows (1989-91), Schaumburg (1999-2001)
2 - Arlington (1982-83), Fremd (1997-98), Conant (2007-08), Schaumburg (2012-13), Palatine (2023-24)
Consecutive Title Game Appearances
