Marian Catholic's Nyila Williams Aims for Fifth Straight Sectional Title

Senior forward balances basketball, orchestra, and veterinary aspirations

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Nyila Williams, a senior forward for Marian Catholic's girls basketball team, is looking to lead her squad to a fifth consecutive sectional title before moving on to study veterinary medicine at Aurora University and join the school's orchestra. Despite Marian Catholic's 12-17 regular season record, Williams and her teammates are confident they can make a deep postseason run, with Williams scoring 13 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and recording 2 steals in a 49-32 regional semifinal win over Morgan Park.

Why it matters

Marian Catholic has built a strong girls basketball tradition, winning four straight sectional titles. Williams' versatility and leadership will be crucial as the Spartans aim to continue that run of success, even as she prepares for the next chapter of her academic and musical pursuits.

The details

In Monday's regional semifinal, the 5-foot-10 Williams scored 13 points and added 5 rebounds and 2 steals in three quarters of play as Marian Catholic defeated Morgan Park 49-32. Teammate Ty Jackson led the Spartans with 18 points, while Kaili Merrick and Lauren Nichols also contributed. For Morgan Park, Kimora Gearring scored 13 points, including 10 in the second half. Despite their 12-17 regular season record, the Spartans are confident they can win a fifth straight sectional title, with Williams saying the team has a "different mindset" in the postseason.

  • On Monday, Marian Catholic defeated Morgan Park 49-32 in a Class 3A regional semifinal game.
  • The Spartans will face third-seeded Butler (20-10) on Thursday at 6 p.m. for the regional championship. The two teams previously met on Dec. 27, with Butler winning 39-35.

The players

Nyila Williams

A senior forward for Marian Catholic's girls basketball team who is looking to study veterinary medicine at Aurora University and join the school's orchestra after her high school career ends.

Ty Jackson

A Southwestern Illinois recruit who led Marian Catholic with 18 points in the regional semifinal win over Morgan Park.

Kaili Merrick

A Marian Catholic player who contributed 7 rebounds in the regional semifinal victory.

Lauren Nichols

A Marian Catholic player who had 6 points in the team's regional semifinal win.

Kimora Gearring

A Morgan Park player who scored 13 points, including 10 in the second half, in the regional semifinal loss.

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What they’re saying

“Oh, we're going for five. Ever since the postseason started, everyone is 0-0 and we're looking forward to the next game every time.”

— Nyila Williams, Senior forward (Chicago Tribune)

“It goes back to being around each other and having fun. There's just something about postseason. You are in the mindset of, 'Let's be better. Let's be the team nobody expected to be.'”

— Nyila Williams, Senior forward (Chicago Tribune)

“Ny didn't play in that game and these girls are ready for that challenge. Butler is a very good team and very well-balanced, but these kids want it and they won't go down without a great effort.”

— Mike Taylor, Marian Catholic coach (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The winner of Thursday's regional final between Marian Catholic and Butler will advance to the sectional semifinals.

The takeaway

Nyila Williams' versatility and leadership will be crucial as Marian Catholic aims to continue its strong girls basketball tradition and win a fifth straight sectional title, even as she prepares to pursue her interests in veterinary medicine and music at the college level.