Fenwick pulled off the upset of the season on November 22, 2025. The #11 ranked Friars stunned #1 Nazareth Academy 28-27 in overtime. Now they’re heading straight to the 6A State Championship game against the defending champion East St. Louis Flyers.
Powerball winner scoops $1.817 billion on Christmas Eve, what happens next will change their life forever
Zendaya shuts down pregnancy rumors after viral London outing with Tom Holland goes too far—here’s what she actually said
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Fenwick beat top seed Nazareth Academy 28-27 in OT semifinal
- Game played on November 22, 2025 in Class 6A playoffs
- Championship opponent: East St. Louis, seeking their 5th straight title
- Fenwick makes their second championship game appearance ever
- Championship game expected in late November 2025
What Happened
Fenwick’s remarkable upset victory came down to the wire. The Friars trailed Nazareth Academy in a tight battle that sent the game to overtime. This wasn’t just any win—they knocked off the #1 seed in the 6A semifinal. The incredible finish has people talking statewide.
Arkansas lottery wins $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot on Christmas Eve, here’s what happens to the money
Powerball winner scoops $1.817 billion jackpot on Christmas Eve, but nobody knows who they are yet
Sports coverage from the Daily Herald confirmed the final score: 28-27 in favor of Fenwick. The game was sold out, showing how important this matchup was. Both teams came ready to compete, but Fenwick’s clutch play in overtime sealed the victory. This result sent shockwaves through Illinois high school basketball.
Why This Matters
For Fenwick, this win is historic. They’ve earned their spot in the 6A State Championship game. High school basketball doesn’t get more important than championship weekend. The Friars aren’t just making noise—they’re making history. Fans across Illinois are watching this Cinderella run unfold.
Now comes the real test: East St. Louis. The Flyers are the defending champions and extremely experienced. They’ve appeared in 5 straight state championship games. That kind of experience matters, but Fenwick’s momentum is undeniable. The underdog story writes itself.
The Championship Matchup
| Team | Seed | Record | Championship Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fenwick (Oak Park) | #11 | Undefeated in playoffs | 2nd ever |
| East St. Louis | #8 | Defending champs | 5 consecutive |
The contrast couldn’t be sharper. Fenwick earned their shot with an incredible upset. East St. Louis has been here before—multiple times. The Flyers know what it takes to win at this level. But the Friars have momentum and nothing to lose. That’s dangerous in basketball.
East St. Louis powered through their semifinal with a 50-7 victory over St. Laurence. They clearly have offensive firepower. They’re not backing down from anyone, even an upset team riding high on confidence.
What To Watch For
- Can Fenwick’s momentum carry through another game?
- Will East St. Louis’s championship experience silence the Friars?
- Scoring trends from both semifinals tell an important story
- Fenwick’s clutch factor—will it strike again?
- Defensive intensity from East St. Louis will be key
Can Fenwick Strike Twice?
Nobody saw Fenwick coming. The #11 seed wasn’t supposed to be here. Now they stand one game away from an Illinois 6A championship. That’s the stuff of legend in high school sports. The question everyone’s asking: Do they have enough to beat a defending champion?
East St. Louis has the pedigree and the experience. They’ve won state championships before. They know the pressure. But Fenwick has something special—the hunger of an underdog who’s already exceeded expectations. This championship game figures to be tight, dramatic, and absolutely must-watch basketball.
Sources
- Daily Herald – High school sports covering Illinois IHSA playoffs
- SLOCHEofficial (Instagram) – Real-time game coverage and updates
- NFHS Network – Official IHSA game broadcasting
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.