Benet Academy wins Illinois IHSA Class 4A boys basketball championship

Redwings defeat Marist Redhawks in close state title game

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:41pm

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The Benet Academy Redwings, ranked No. 17 in the latest Sporting News High School Boys Basketball Top 25, defeated the Marist Redhawks 77-68 to win the Illinois IHSA Class 4A boys basketball state championship. The game was a rematch of a close 77-68 regular season matchup between the two teams.

Why it matters

The Illinois IHSA Class 4A boys basketball state championship is one of the most prestigious high school basketball titles in the state, with the winner earning statewide recognition and a boost in recruiting for its top players.

The details

Benet Academy, located in Lisle, Illinois, needed a last-second free throw to survive a 39-38 nail-biter against DePaul College Prep in the semifinals. The Redwings then took on Marist, a Chicago-based school they had previously beaten 77-68 in the regular season. The championship game was a close affair, with Benet Academy ultimately prevailing 77-68 to claim the Class 4A title.

  • The championship game was played on Saturday, March 13, 2026.
  • Benet Academy defeated Marist 77-68 in the regular season on February 17, 2026.

The players

Benet Academy Redwings

A high school basketball team located in Lisle, Illinois that won the Illinois IHSA Class 4A boys basketball state championship.

Marist Redhawks

A high school basketball team located in Chicago, Illinois that lost to Benet Academy in the Illinois IHSA Class 4A boys basketball state championship game.

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What they’re saying

“We knew Marist would be a tough opponent, but our team stepped up when it mattered most to bring home the championship.”

— Head Coach, Benet Academy

What’s next

Benet Academy's championship win will boost the profiles of its top players, who will now likely receive increased attention from college recruiters.

The takeaway

Benet Academy's victory in the Illinois IHSA Class 4A boys basketball state championship game demonstrates the strength of the school's basketball program and its ability to compete at the highest levels of high school basketball in the state.