Private Schools Dominate Class 4A Basketball Sectionals, Threaten Public School Tradition

Private schools swept all four matchups against public schools in Class 4A sectional finals on Friday, positioning themselves for a potentially historic state tournament appearance, according to rankings released by a local sports journalist. No. 10 St. Patrick’s dominant 57-26 victory over Notre Dame exemplified the competitive intensity of these sectional matchups. Benet, DePaul Prep, Marist and St. Ignatius all defeated their public school opponents in the sectional finals, according to the rankings. All four private schools will enter Monday’s supersectionals as favorites, creating the possibility that the Class 4A field in Champaign could consist entirely of private schools.

This development marks a significant shift in Illinois high school basketball, where public schools have dominated since the state tournament began in 1908, according to the rankings. Benet’s Class 4A championship last season represented the first big-school title won by a private school since St. Joseph’s AA title in 1999.

The private school success extends beyond Class 4A. Five private schools advanced to supersectionals in smaller classes, with Leo and St. Francis competing in 3A, McNamara and Quincy Notre Dame in 2A, and Routt in 1A, according to the rankings.

DePaul Prep, Benet and St. Ignatius have appeared regularly in state semifinals over recent years, while Marist reaches new territory with its first-ever advancement to state competition. The RedHawks previously lost to Proviso East in the 1981 supersectionals, according to the rankings.

The current success contrasts sharply with recent history, when the Public League won every Class 4A state title except one from 2009 through 2017. Only Stevenson’s team, led by Jalen Brunson, broke the Chicago Public Schools’ dominance in 2015, according to the rankings.

Despite losing Class 4A representation when Curie fell to St. Ignatius, CPS remains active in state playoffs across other classifications. Hyde Park will face Leo in the Class 3A UIC supersectional on Monday, while Crane and Farragut meet in the Class 2A Joliet Central supersectional. Marshall takes on Indian Creek in the Class 1A Joliet Central supersectional, according to the rankings.

The Cougars, featuring All-City selections Brad Blackmon and Jamier Montgomery, represent legitimate contenders to win Class 2A, according to the rankings.

Three standout players appear likely to remain at their current schools rather than transfer to prep programs. Warren’s Jaxson Davis, Neuqua Valley’s Cole Kelly and Bolingbrook’s Brady Pettigrew all show signs of staying put for next season, according to the rankings.

Davis stated last week that he has no reason to leave his current school, while Kelly has referenced next year at Neuqua Valley in multiple interviews. Pettigrew’s father, Titcus, who serves as Bolingbrook’s head football coach, said Friday that he “isn’t interested in the prep school thing,” according to the rankings.

The retention of all three players would benefit Illinois high school basketball significantly, and notably, all three attend public schools, according to the rankings.

Benet maintains its top ranking at 34-1, followed by DePaul Prep at 31-3 and St. Ignatius at 31-4. Marist holds the fourth position with a 30-5 record. Curie, despite its sectional loss, remains ranked fifth at 29-2.

The current rankings reflect the ongoing competition between public and private schools, with several public school programs still competing for state championships across multiple classifications. The ultimate outcome will determine whether private schools can sustain their current momentum or if public schools will reassert their historical dominance in Illinois high school basketball.