Athletic Highlights By Kevin Kelly '80
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL The COVID-19 pandemic significantly limited postseason play for the Marian Catholic men’s and women’s basketball teams. Both responded to fresh opportunities in a big way during the 2021-22 campaign. In the case of women’s basketball, Marian Catholic turned in the 13th season of 25 or more wins, advancing all the way to the IHSA Elite Eight for the first time since 2014. Led by the senior trio of Anna Kleszynski, Sarah Segarra, and all-ESCC selection Zikora Okonkwo, the Spartans won four tournament titles en route to an overall mark of 27-9.
“I am also extremely happy for our seniors, who were a big part of the foundation of the team who lost a heart-breaker two years ago in the sectional final to Providence,” stated Coach Murray. “They did not have a chance last year because of Covid, which was very, very sad.” The Spartans opened the year by winning the Immaculate Conception Invite, then captured the Marian Christmas Classic for a second time with a title-game victory over rival Fenwick. The postseason trail saw Marian Catholic win its own IHSA 3A Regional and the Kankakee Sectional. Even in defeat to Morton at the Streator Supersectional, the Spartans staged a huge comeback from a 15-point deficit.
“I am very proud, as I hope Marian Catholic is, of this team,” praised Coach Dan Murray, who was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on April 30 and was also recognized as an IBCA Coach of the Year. “They had a fantastic work ethic and were committed to one another. If you ever had a chance to see them play, the genuine excitement they had for each other was infectious.” Marian Catholic also won the consolation championship of the ESCC Tournament, no small feat when you analyze the strength of the state’s best conference. Three ESCC teams advanced to IHSA State, as Carmel Catholic defeated Nazareth Academy in the 3A state championship contest. “The ESCC had four sectional winners and three advanced to the State Final Four,” praised Murray, who has been at the helm at multiple schools for 427 career victories. “Hands down the best girls basketball conference in the state. Playing in this conference is an honor and always helps us get prepared to become our very best. “Hopefully, we can continue to carry on the rich tradition of Marian Catholic women’s basketball into the future.”
10 MARIAN MATTERS SPRING 2022
