By Colin Walsh ‘25
The Brother Rice basketball team started its road to state on Tuesday, Mar. 4, with a sectional semifinal matchup against the Hillcrest Hawks. The Crusaders came into this game 27-6 and were one of the top teams in the state. They handled business right away.
Jumping out to a big lead in the first few minutes of the game, senior Caden Workman showed why he is one of the best big men in the state. He dominated this game, racking up easy layups and getting huge rebounds.
Workman said, “I felt that it was a great team win for us and we did all the little things late in the game that we had to do to win.”
This game was slow the whole way, and at halftime, the score was 31-28, Hillcrest. Senior Jack Weigus, who is having a phenomenal season, controlled this game with his great shooting and advanced passing skills.
Weigus said, “Tuesday was a fun game, my first sectional game I’ve played in and the atmosphere was great.”
As the second half began, it was business as usual for Rice. They kept expanding the lead by doing what they do best: attacking the hoop and playing great defense. Hillcrest couldn’t get anything started, only scoring 27 points in the second half.
Junior Joe Niego had a huge impact on the game. When Caden needed a rest, Joe was there and played to the best of his ability against Hillcrest’s huge big men.
Niego said, “I played to the best of my abilities guarding a man who outsized me. In all, it was a great team win. I’m glad I got to contribute.”
The final score was 65-58, Brother Rice. They now advance to the sectional championship and will play Lemont on Friday, Mar. 7. Brother Rice is now 28-6 and has a real chance to make it downstate.
Photo credit: Josh Torres ’25
