Kankakee Suffers First Loss Against DePaul Prep at Team Rose Shootout

The Kankakee boys basketball team faced its first defeat of the season on March 10, 2024, losing to DePaul Prep 56-49 at the Team Rose Shootout held at Mount Carmel. The Kays, previously unbeaten with a record of 5-0, encountered a formidable opponent in the two-time defending Class 3A champions, who showcased their experience and skill throughout the match.

Kankakee started strong, with a quick five-point lead, but DePaul Prep soon gained momentum. The Rams, boasting an 8-1 record, responded with a 17-6 run that shifted the game’s dynamics. Throughout the contest, the Rams maintained a lead between four and twelve points, effectively controlling the pace and flow.

Kays coach Chris Pickett expressed the value of competing against such a high-caliber team. “It’s good to be in games like this because it lets you know where you are,” Pickett stated. He emphasized the importance of this matchup as a significant test for his team, particularly as they seek to achieve their goal of becoming the IHSA Class 3A State champions once again.

The standout player for DePaul was senior guard Rykan Woo, who scored 21 points, including a flawless 8-for-8 performance from the free-throw line in the first half. The Rams’ overall success at the charity stripe proved crucial, as they converted 25 of 29 attempts compared to Kankakee’s 12 of 25. “We lost by seven, so there you go,” Pickett noted, highlighting the impact of free-throw performance on the outcome.

Kankakee’s Lincoln Williams, who entered the game averaging 32.8 points per game, was held to just 14 points, showcasing DePaul’s effective defensive strategy. Pickett acknowledged that while the Kays showed improvement in handling the Rams’ defense as the game progressed, it ultimately wasn’t enough to secure a win.

Despite the defeat, Kankakee’s EJ Hazelett matched Woo’s scoring with 21 points, contributing significantly in the second half. Hazelett’s ability to hit critical three-pointers kept the Kays within reach. Coach Pickett praised his team’s second-half defense and their offensive grit, but noted that execution on fundamental plays was essential against a team like DePaul Prep.

“The reputation they have as a team is that they’re going to pack the paint and make you have to earn everything offensively,” Pickett explained. He reflected on how Kankakee’s first-half struggles contrasted with their improved performance in the second half. “We had some meltdowns in the first half and were a lot better in the second half, but they’re a team that’s going to execute their stuff,” he added.

Looking ahead, Kankakee will need to regroup quickly. The team is set to visit Peoria on March 12, followed by a home game against Bloom on March 15. They will then head to St. Louis for a matchup against Vashon, as part of the Midwest Showdown. These upcoming games will be crucial for the Kays as they aim to bounce back and continue their pursuit of championship glory.