2025 State Contenders

Who will make it to state at Redbird Arena this year? Will we see repeat champions from last year? Let's talk about it.

In class 1A the state championship game was between Okawville and Illini Bluffs. Alayna Krause established herself as one of the best class 1A players in the state scoring 20+ points in both days at the state tournament help Okawville win the championship. With Krause now graduated high school, Okawville is left without one of their top scorers. Illini Bluffs Luczkowiak graduated as well and was a force to be reckoned with all season long.

In class 2A I believe this team could repeat as state champions. Peoria Notre Dame beat Nashville 47-45 in the state championship. Without their star point guard Mya Wardle it will be tough. People all over the nation now know who Emy Wardle is after her state championship game winner. She has multiple division one offers and she is just a sophomore. Lexi Baer, who set an IHSA record for three pointers last year is back and will play a huge role for the Irish. However, SIUE commit Kaitlin Cassidy tore her ACL playing volleyball and will miss her senior season for basketball. I still believe PND can win the state championship. Their non conference schedule which they played tough 4A teams helped prepare them for the state championship. This year they play Incarnate Word Academy from St. Louis, O'Fallon, Batavia, and Alton. All very tough teams with a much higher enrollment than Peoria Notre Dame.

Class 3A had a fun state championship game as both teams were from the same conference. Lincoln and Glenwood. Lincoln won the state championship and had an undefeated season. This year will look different for Lincoln as they are without one of the greatest scorers in Illinois girls basketball history Kloe Froebe who now plays college basketball at Colorado State. Glenwood returns some starters from last year but will they be able to make it to state again?

In class 4A Loyola Academy beat Nazareth Academy. Both teams could be back in the state championship for a rematch. Aubrey Galvan is ranked the number one point guard in the state of Illinois and plays for Loyola Academy. She will be a big part of Loyola's state run if they want to win the state championship again.

Which team do you think has the best chance to win state again?