The first of two games at Northern Illinois University on Monday evening was a thriller between Kaneland and Morton in a super sectional matchup. Morton got off to an incredibly hot start by the score of 10-0. Though Kaneland would not go away and answered with a 7-point run of their own. For the remainder of the game, the game was close with several lead changes. Kaneland was able to get the game winning basket with just 2 seconds to play from Jeffrey Hassan to stay undefeated and advance to Champaign.

Owen Adams – 2026 – G – Morton

Adams put together a big performance on this big stage as he led Morton with 14 points while also adding in 7 rebounds. He started the game off with a strong driving basket for the first points of the game. As well to scoring it on the attack, Adams also hit a pair of threes spotting up. One of these came when he scored key back-to-back baskets near the end of the third quarter to give Morton the lead. The senior also plays with great energy whether it was chasing down rebounds or on defense including a chase down block.

Collin Burns – 2026 – SF – Morton

Burns battled tough inside all game on both ends. At 6’3” he was matched up against the 6’9” Hassan and played him tough throughout utilizing his great toughness and some strength. He recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds which included 5-8 shooting from the field. He scored it effectively inside for all his baskets including tying the game up with just under 20 seconds to play.

Marshawn Cocroft – 2026 – PG – Kaneland

The pure point guard was his normal playmaking self in this game. He has a great ability to score the basketball as he put up 16 points but can also create for teammates effectively. He plays strong with the ball and a great ability to beat defenders with his change of speeds and direction with burst of quickness to the basket. The senior had a couple of big shots in the game including a three off the dribble in the final seconds of the third quarter to stop a Morton run.

Evan Frieders – 2026 – SG – Kaneland

Frieders is an incredibly versatile two-way wing guard who did a bit of everything in the win. He has good positional size at 6’5” as well to his length, athleticism, and well-rounded game. The senior scored 11 points in the win including his team’s first basket of the game to break a 10-0 deficit. He also hit a three as well to a pair of crucial free throws with just over 2 minutes to go in the game to take the lead. He also assisted on the game winning basket throwing an on target pass right into the post over the top for one of his 5 assists. Frieders also came up key with his on ball defensive play shutting down a quality opponent. He moves so well with the ball and was able to take a couple charges beating his man to the spot with his quickness.  

Jeffrey Hassan – 2027 – F/C – Kaneland

Hassan put in a special performance in this game as he finished it with a game high 17 points as well as 9 points and 6 blocks. Not only did he put up a huge stat line but also made some massive plays. This included the game winning basket posting up inside with just 2 seconds to play. He used his size and length to score it very efficiently all game inside including on a few post ups and an alley-oop dunk while shooting 7-10 from the field. Not only did he have a remarkable 6 blocks but also forced plenty of other tough shots shutting down the interior. He is an elite defender as not only does he have great size at 6’9” and length but is also very mobile at his size.