Father McGivney wins Litchfield Regional championship

Jeff Oller earned his 200th career win for the Griffins in his 10th season.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 1:31am

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The Father McGivney girls basketball team won the Class 2A Litchfield Regional championship with a 55-45 victory over Hillsboro on February 19, 2026. The Griffins, who are making their first appearance in the Class 2A postseason, knocked down eight 3-pointers in the game, including a key stretch in the second quarter that turned a 14-12 deficit into a 30-16 lead. Father McGivney senior Zoe Oller scored a team-high 14 points, while Alexa Jones and Elle Willenborg each added 13 points.

Why it matters

This is Father McGivney's first regional championship since the 2023-24 season, and the program's first time competing in Class 2A due to increased enrollment. The Griffins' success this season, including winning 16 of their last 18 games, has been a significant accomplishment for the relatively young program.

The details

Father McGivney used a blistering 18-2 run in the second quarter, fueled by four 3-pointers, to take control of the game. Hillsboro cut the deficit to 30-25 in the third quarter, but Zoe Oller answered with back-to-back 3-pointers to push the lead back to double digits. The Griffins were able to hold off a late Hillsboro rally to secure the regional championship.

  • The Litchfield Regional championship game was played on February 19, 2026.
  • Father McGivney will take a 27-6 record into its North Mac Sectional semifinal game against Carlinville (15-17) on February 24, 2026 at 6 p.m. in Virden.

The players

Jeff Oller

The head coach of the Father McGivney girls basketball team, who earned his 200th career win in his 10th season with the Griffins.

Zoe Oller

A senior on the Father McGivney girls basketball team who scored a team-high 14 points in the regional championship game.

Alexa Jones

A player on the Father McGivney girls basketball team who scored 13 points in the regional championship game.

Elle Willenborg

A player on the Father McGivney girls basketball team who scored 13 points, had six steals, and four rebounds in the regional championship game.

Kearstyn Davis

A player on the Hillsboro girls basketball team who led her team with 15 points in the regional championship game.

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What they’re saying

“This has been something I've been looking forward to since my freshman year.”

— Zoe Oller, Senior, Father McGivney girls basketball team

“A regional championship at any level in this area is tough to come by. I'm happy for the girls.”

— Jeff Oller, Head Coach, Father McGivney girls basketball team

“That was a good piece of momentum. We were looking for that one extra pass, and it helps knowing my teammates are there for me.”

— Alexa Jones, Player, Father McGivney girls basketball team

“I had missed a couple in the first half, but I knew I was due. The 3-pointers add up so quickly. When this team is on, we're on and it's going to be a good night when it happens.”

— Zoe Oller, Senior, Father McGivney girls basketball team

“I'm so happy I get to go to practice tomorrow, which is something I never thought I would say.”

— Alexa Jones, Player, Father McGivney girls basketball team

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This regional championship victory for the Father McGivney girls basketball team, in their first-ever Class 2A postseason appearance, highlights the program's rapid growth and success in recent years. The Griffins' balanced scoring attack and ability to knock down 3-pointers will make them a tough opponent as they advance to the sectional round of the playoffs.