MacArthur Defeats Champaign Centennial in Sectional Final

Generals advance to sectional title game after big second quarter

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The MacArthur Generals defeated the Champaign Centennial Chargers 85-63 in the 3A Mahomet-Seymour Sectional Final. MacArthur led by just 3 points after the first quarter but extended their lead to 15 by halftime, fueled by 21 first-half points from Tishawn Clemmons, who finished with 29 points. The Generals will now play for the sectional title against either Springfield High or Normal U-High.

Why it matters

This win advances MacArthur to the sectional championship game, one step closer to a potential state tournament berth. The Generals have had a strong season and will look to continue their postseason run against a tough opponent in the title game.

The details

MacArthur held a slim 3-point lead after the first quarter, but a big second quarter in which they outscored Champaign Centennial 25-10 gave them a comfortable 15-point halftime advantage. Tishawn Clemmons led the way for the Generals, scoring 21 of his game-high 29 points in the first half. MacArthur maintained their double-digit lead throughout the second half to secure the 22-point victory and a spot in the sectional championship game.

  • The game was played on March 3, 2026.
  • MacArthur and Champaign Centennial met in the 3A Mahomet-Seymour Sectional Final.
  • The sectional title game is scheduled for 7pm on March 7, 2026.

The players

Tishawn Clemmons

A senior guard for the MacArthur Generals who scored a game-high 29 points, including 21 in the first half, to lead his team to victory.

MacArthur Generals

The high school basketball team from MacArthur High School that defeated Champaign Centennial to advance to the sectional championship game.

Champaign Centennial Chargers

The high school basketball team from Champaign Centennial High School that lost to MacArthur in the sectional final.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to come out strong in the second quarter to take control of the game, and the guys really stepped up and made it happen.”

— Coach John Smith, Head Coach, MacArthur Generals (local sports radio)

What’s next

The MacArthur Generals will play the winner of the Springfield High vs. Normal U-High game in the 3A Mahomet-Seymour Sectional Championship on March 7, 2026 at 7pm.

The takeaway

MacArthur's decisive second-quarter performance and balanced scoring attack proved too much for Champaign Centennial, setting up an intriguing sectional title game as the Generals look to advance one step closer to a state tournament berth.