Eastland set for state championship with Chicago Hope Academy
Mar. 15—Class 1A state championship
Eastland (34-4) vs. Chicago Hope Academy (27-7)
When: 1 p.m. Saturday at State Farm Center in Champaign
X (formerly Twitter) updates: @Drake_Lansman
Noteworthy: Eastland beat Hope 48-38 on Dec. 7 at its home shootout in the third game of the Cougars' season. The Eagles were then without Malik Meridy, who had 14 points in Hope's state semifinal win.
"He's a big body that can shoot," Eastland coach Tyler Zumdahl said. "So, obviously, that just adds another element to them."
About the Cougars: This is their first state championship appearance after taking fourth in 2010 and 2013 under Tony Dunlap. They have won 10 straight games after topping Peoria Christian 55-35 on Wednesday. Eastland shot 63% (24 of 38) in the win as Parker Krogman (9 of 10 FGs) scored 21 points, Adam Awender had 17 and Peyton Spears scored eight points with eight assists. Coach Zumdahl has called Spears one of the best on-ball defenders in the state.
Spears, Krogman and Awender all average around 15 points per game. Eastland likes to push the ball in transition but also can slow the game down and play more methodically with efficient scoring. Its defense has been at the center.
"I think we've got to do the same stuff we've done all year," Krogman said. "We've got to defend, and we've just got to play our game."
ExpandAutoplay
Image 1 of 21
Eastland's Parker Krogman puts up a shot in the first half against Peoria Christian Thursday, March 13, 2025, during the Class 1A boys basketball state semifinal. (Alex T. Paschal)
About the Eagles: Coached by Ronnie Fields, they finished third at state last season. They also took third in 2017 in their only other state appearance. Star point guard Tyjuan Hunter scored 17 points with 10 assists his last game in a 56-50 win over St. Anthony. He also hit a buzzer-beater from over 80 feet at halftime in the win. He averages around 23 points and five assists per game. Dominick Hale averaged 14.2 points per game. Jaiden Simmons, who is listed at 6-foot-5, is the team's leading rebounder with almost 10 per game.
"We are trying to come back to Chicago with the state championship trophy," Hunter said. "We have to keep fighting."
Hope started slow its last game but built a 7-0 lead after one quarter and led 41-25 after three before St. Anthony cut into the deficit late. The Eagles shot 20 of 50 (40%) against St. Anthony and had eight different players score.
Hope Academy's Tyjuan Hunter with a #MarchMadness moment, as this #buzzerbeater heave gives the Eagles a 22-10 halftime lead in the Class 1A Semifinals!!!@maxpreps @SCNext @michaelsobrien @HoHighlights @NestoHoops @EddieBarstool @barstoolchicago pic.twitter.com/oRp46dh7GP
— Illinois High School Association #IHSA (@IHSA_IL) March 13, 2025
-
Eastland advances to 1A state title game against Chicago Hope Academy
Mar. 13—CHAMPAIGN — Efficient on offense and smothering on defense, Eastland's winning formula came through once again in a 55-35 win over Peoria Christian in Thursday's Class 1A state semifinal ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Eastland's hot shooters go cold at the wrong time: in the state championship contest
Eastland has one of its worst shooting performances of the year in the Class 1A state title game, relegating the Cougars to second placeYahoo Sports - 1d -
Class M girls basketball: Bacon Academy tops Windham for championship
UNCASVILLE – The second-seeded Bacon Academy girls basketball team won its first state championship since 2012 with a 39-25 victory over ECC opponent Windham Saturday morning at Mohegan Sun Arena. ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Eastland's biggest fan -- Mary Henson -- rolling out the red carpet
Mar. 14—CHAMPAIGN — Mary Henson is making sure her hometown Eastland Cougars are enjoying their stay during the IHSA boys' basketball state tournament. On Thursday night, she treated players and ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
San Gabriel Academy wins Division III state basketball crown
The Eagles, behind 6-foot-11 sophomore center Mahamadou Diop, defeat King's Academy in the CIF Division III boys' basketball championship game.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
How Northview Academy stunned itself in earning TSSAA girls basketball state championship berth
Northview Academy will play in the school's first TSSAA girls basketball state championship after beating defending 3A champion Dyersburg.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Columbus Academy boys basketball advances to first OHSAA state final since 1981
The Columbus Academy boys basketball team is one win away from its first OHSAA state championship.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Hopedale vs. Pioneer Valley live updates from MIAA D5 boys basketball state championship
The Division 5 state championship is up for grabs when undefeated No. 1 seed Pioneer Valley faces Hopedale in the D5 boys basketball state final.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
LIVE UPDATES: Bishop Stang vs. Hingham girls hockey MIAA state championship
Bishop Stang girls hockey will play Hingham on Sunday in the MIAA Division 1 state championship. Stick here for updates.Yahoo Sports - 1d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
How Dan Burn, Newcastle’s local boy and ungainly colossus, ended 70 years of pain
Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle United: Dan Burn and Alexander Isak secure glory at Wembley to end the Magpies’ droughtYahoo Sports - 25m -
World Indoor Track and Field Championships 2025: How to watch, schedule, preview
How to watch the 2025 World Indoor Track and Field Championships from Nanjing, China.Yahoo Sports - 26m -
Commanders bring back key defensive line reserve for 2025
The Washington Commanders brought back a key reserve from their 2024 defensive line on Sunday night.Yahoo Sports - 27m -
Who won the MIAA high school hockey state championships?
Six state champions were crowned at the MIAA boys and girls high school hockey state championships at TD Garden on Sunday.Yahoo Sports - 27m -
Honesdale softball team poised to make serious strides in Lackawanna League action
With battle-tested veterans Rachele Chee and Georgianna Maglione leading the way, the Hornets are gunning for a .500 record and a return to the playoffs.Yahoo Sports - 27m
More in Sports
-
Source: Pulisic in talks over new AC Milan deal
United States national team star Christian Pulisic is in negotiations with AC Milan over a new contract, a source has told ESPN.ESPN - 22m -
How Dan Burn, Newcastle’s local boy and ungainly colossus, ended 70 years of pain
Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle United: Dan Burn and Alexander Isak secure glory at Wembley to end the Magpies’ droughtYahoo Sports - 25m -
World Indoor Track and Field Championships 2025: How to watch, schedule, preview
How to watch the 2025 World Indoor Track and Field Championships from Nanjing, China.Yahoo Sports - 26m -
Commanders bring back key defensive line reserve for 2025
The Washington Commanders brought back a key reserve from their 2024 defensive line on Sunday night.Yahoo Sports - 27m -
Who won the MIAA high school hockey state championships?
Six state champions were crowned at the MIAA boys and girls high school hockey state championships at TD Garden on Sunday.Yahoo Sports - 27m