CHAMPAIGN — For 117 years of the Illinois High School Association state basketball tournament, only one Chicago private school won the large-school state championship. That was Mount Carmel back in 1985. Saturday in Chicago they dyed the river green and there were St. Patrick’s Day parades. And a South Side Catholic School finally won another state title. Marist upset Benet, the defending champs, 44-28 at State Farm Center. The RedHawks held Benet scoreless in the second quarter, held off an early charge in the third quarter and dominated the fourth. DePaul Prep and Benet dominated the state all season, but Marist peaked late and played its best through a challenging playoff run. Charles Barnes, a transfer from De La Salle, led the RedHawks (33-5) with 13 points and Stephen Brown added eight points and eight rebounds. TJ Tate scored seven and Karson Thomas six. Colin Stack, a 7-1 senior, led Benet (36-2) with nine points and five rebounds. Check back later for reaction from Marist and Benet coaches and players.
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