Illinois Target Cole Kelly Leads Neuqua Valley to Revenge Win Over Oswego East

Sophomore forward scores 38 points to avenge earlier loss and set school record for wins in a season.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 3:12am

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Cole Kelly, a 6-foot-7 sophomore forward with an offer from Illinois, scored 38 points to lead Neuqua Valley to an 80-51 win over Oswego East in the Class 4A regional championship game. The victory avenged Neuqua Valley's only loss of the season and set a new school record for wins in a season at 32-1. Neuqua Valley will now face Bolingbrook in the sectional semifinals, another rematch from earlier in the season.

Why it matters

This game showcases the talent of Cole Kelly, a highly touted recruit who is drawing interest from Division I programs like Illinois. Neuqua Valley's ability to bounce back from an earlier loss and set a new school record for wins demonstrates the team's resilience and determination.

The details

Kelly, who has offers from Illinois and other Division I schools, scored 38 points and added 6 rebounds and 3 assists for the second-seeded Wildcats. Junior guard Mason Martin, an Illinois recruit, also contributed 22 points. Neuqua Valley's only loss of the season came against seventh-seeded Oswego East on November 28, but the Wildcats were able to avenge that defeat in the regional championship game.

  • The regional championship game was played on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • Neuqua Valley's only loss of the season came against Oswego East on November 28, 2025.
  • Neuqua Valley and Bolingbrook will face off in the sectional semifinals on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Cole Kelly

A 6-foot-7 sophomore forward with an offer from the University of Illinois and other Division I programs.

Mason Martin

A junior guard who is also being recruited by the University of Illinois.

Neuqua Valley

The second-seeded high school basketball team that set a new school record for wins in a season at 32-1.

Oswego East

The seventh-seeded high school basketball team that handed Neuqua Valley its only loss of the season on November 28, 2025.

Bolingbrook

The third-seeded high school basketball team that Neuqua Valley will face in the sectional semifinals, another rematch from earlier in the season.

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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

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

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 case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.