On February 26, 2025, The Libertyville Wildcats secured a win over the Mundelein Mustangs with an ending score of 46-40. With an outstanding performance from the Wildcats, they were able to stay ahead of the Mustangs for the entirety of the game. The Wildcats will progress to the Regional Championship with the hopes of making it to state.

 To begin the game, senior Stevan Gavric (11) scored the first two points of the game to add to the Wildcat scoreboard. Further adding to the score, freshman Terrence Davis (23) rebounded senior Liam Hanson (1), and then continued to show immense efforts as he rebounded many Wildcat baskets. 

Going into the second quarter, excellent performances from all of the players, especially Gavric (11) and Hanson (1) allowed the Cats to get even further ahead of the Mustangs. Davis (23) continued with his rebound streak, and the Cats were able to go into the second half of the game with a score of 20-17.

The Mustangs showed extremely strong defense, especially when it came to junior Bryce Wegrzyn (32), yet Wegrzyn still was able to dribble his way around the Mustangs to score for the Wildcats. 

“Bryce had a big dunk that kind of sealed the game,” senior Ryan Thompson (3) said, “That was probably the best moment of the game.”

The Cats are consistently able to showcase teamwork and sportsmanship on the court, as they have many ways of bonding together as a team off the court.

“We have a lot of pasta parties,” Thompson said, “and in the locker room [we] pregame… we get pretty hype before games in there.”

As the third quarter begins, the Cats quickly rack up points. Leading the pack, Wegrzyn was able to secure an even further lead for the Cats, moving the score to 29-19. After Mundelein senior Evan Salvador (5) was fouled, he scored two free throws, as well as a layup, which was followed by another free throw after being fouled again. Although this gave Mundelein 5 more points, this setback did not allow the Wildcats to feel despair, as Davis (23) and the other Cats continued scoring. 

Going into the fourth quarter, the Cats are ahead 35-27. The first three minutes of the quarter occur with no action from either team, causing the Mustangs to call a time-out. Back on the court, Hanson (1) scores the first layup for the Cats, allowing them a ten-point lead over the Mustangs. With efforts from both teams, Libertyville ultimately seals the win with a free throw from Davis (23), and an ending score of 40-46. 

“We have lots of chemistry,” Thompson said, “…I think we can go far in the playoffs”

The Wildcats will progress to the Regional Championship, hoping to go far in the playoffs.