Dartmouth Recruit Pollack Fouls Out, Deerfield Wins State Semifinal

Deerfield advances to state title game after Pollack's foul trouble opens door for victory over Kaneland.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:06pm

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Senior forward Jake Pollack scored a game-high 20 points and had 5 blocked shots, but fouled out late in regulation, allowing Deerfield to outlast Kaneland 49-48 in overtime and advance to the Class 3A state championship game.

Why it matters

Deerfield has never won a state title, so this appearance in the championship game is a historic moment for the program. Pollack's foul trouble proved to be a pivotal factor that opened the door for Deerfield's victory.

The details

Pollack, a Dartmouth recruit, was dominant for much of the game, but his four fouls forced him to the bench late in regulation. This allowed Deerfield to rally and force overtime, where they were able to pull out the one-point victory over Kaneland.

  • The state semifinal game was played on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.
  • Deerfield will play in the Class 3A state championship game on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The players

Jake Pollack

A senior forward for Kaneland High School who has committed to play basketball at Dartmouth College.

Deerfield High School

The Deerfield Warriors are making their first-ever appearance in the state championship game after defeating Kaneland in the semifinals.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Deerfield Warriors will play either East St. Louis or Leo in the Class 3A state championship game on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The takeaway

Deerfield's historic run to the state title game was aided by the foul trouble of star player Jake Pollack, highlighting the importance of discipline and depth for teams aiming to win championships.