By Marcos Gonzales ‘25
The Brother Rice basketball team spent this past week competing in the first rounds of the IHSA Playoffs. Regionals were hosted by Chicago Brooks and games took place on Tuesday and Friday.
The Crusaders took on the Bremen Braves in the regional semifinal. Per usual, the boys took care of business, as they defeated the Braves 81-54. It was a great game to keep momentum going as they led wire to wire.
Junior Charlie Wizgird said, “This game was big time for us. Whatever the scoreboard says doesn’t matter. We played the way we are capable of playing and when we are clicking like that, it will be tough to beat us.”
Wizgird played a key role off the bench. Playing his best game all season, Charlie eclipsed a new career high of 8 points.
In the next round, the Crusaders took on the host school, Chicago Brooks. It was a great crowd and there was energy flowing throughout the gym. In the end, there was no doubt the Crusaders would come out on top. The Brother Rice Crusaders are regional champions once again after winning 66-35.
Senior Jack Weigus said, “This one meant a lot to me. I have never won anything in the playoffs in my years, prior so holding the plaque up was special. Obviously, this is not the only goal we have. This was just another step in climbing to the top of the mountain.”
Brother Rice is hosting the next round of the playoffs. Crusader hoops will take on the Hillcrest Hawks for the Sectional semifinal and will hopefully play the winner of Lemont and Marian Catholic for the Sectional Championship.
The Standard wishes them the best of luck for the future as they look to keep their dreams alive!
