Marist RedHawks Dominate York in IHSA Class 4A Semifinals, Advance to State Championship

Marist RedHawks secured a commanding 55-38 victory over York in the IHSA Class 4A semifinal at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois, punching their ticket to the program's first-ever state championship game appearance.

The RedHawks overwhelmed York from the opening tip, forcing nine turnovers in the first quarter alone. York finished the game with 17 total turnovers, unable to withstand Marist's relentless full-court pressure. Kendall Meyers recorded five steals and led all scorers with 15 points, while Charles Barnes contributed 14. As a team, Marist notched 13 steals and assisted on 12 of their 21 field goals, showcasing an efficient and disciplined offensive approach.

Marist head coach Brian Hynes credited the game plan as specifically designed to neutralize York's size advantage by deploying faster, more athletic defenders capable of generating sustained pressure. The spacious college court at State Farm Center appeared to further benefit the RedHawks' style of play, allowing them to spread York's zone defense and attack open lanes. York coach Mike Dunn acknowledged that early turnover trouble ultimately proved unrecoverable, despite his team's impressive 32-5 season record. Hunter Stepanich, a Princeton football commit, led York with 10 points and seven rebounds in his final high school basketball outing.

Marist, now 32-5 on the season, will face conference rival Benet Academy in the Class 4A state championship game on Saturday. The two teams previously met in February, with Benet winning 77-68. Coach Hynes acknowledged that talk surrounding the other semifinal matchup as the de facto championship served as added motivation for his squad heading into the title game.