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Kankakee Today
By the People, for the People
Kankakee Chasing First-Ever State Finals Appearance
Kankakee's boys basketball team is one of the top Class 3A contenders this season, led by star player Lincoln Williams.
Published on Feb. 20, 2026
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The Kankakee boys basketball team is one of the top contenders in Class 3A this season, led by star player Lincoln Williams. After a heartbreaking sectional loss last year, the Kays are seeking their first-ever IHSA State Finals appearance. With Williams and transfer EJ Hazelett, a Division I prospect, Kankakee has high hopes of making history this postseason.
Why it matters
Kankakee has never reached the IHSA State Finals in boys basketball, despite being one of the top programs in the Chicagoland area. This season represents their best chance in years to finally break through and play on the state's biggest stage in Champaign.
The details
Kankakee is led by 6-6 wing Lincoln Williams, who is considered one of the best players in the state. The Kays also added transfer EJ Hazelett, a Division I prospect headed to Indiana State, over the summer. After a heartbreaking 65-63 sectional loss to Metamora last year, Kankakee is determined to make amends this postseason and reach the state finals for the first time in program history.
- Just over 11 months ago, Kankakee lost a heartbreaking 65-63 sectional game to Metamora.
- This summer, Kankakee welcomed back transfer EJ Hazelett, a Division I prospect, to pair with star player Lincoln Williams.
The players
Lincoln Williams
A 6-6 wing considered one of the best players in the state and the top returning player from last season's Kankakee team.
EJ Hazelett
A transfer to Kankakee this past summer, Hazelett is a Division I prospect headed to Indiana State.
What’s next
Kankakee will look to navigate a difficult sectional field and earn the program's first-ever trip to the IHSA State Finals in Champaign next month.
The takeaway
After years of being one of the top programs in the Chicagoland area without a state finals appearance, Kankakee has its best chance in recent memory to finally break through and make history this postseason.
