NILES, Illinois — The Knights varsity basketball team continued its dominant run over the ISL, running away with the program's 7th Independent School League title and the third undefeated conference championship in school history (2018, 2023 and 2025) following a 77-28 win over Latin on Feb. 14.
After finishing the season winning 11 of their last 13 games, the 24-7 Knights enter the IHSA state tournament as the #3 overall seed in their sectional grouping.
The Knights have proven themselves to be a battle-tested group, competing against a tough schedule in preparation for a state tournament run.
Northridge began the year with a bang, knocking off 3A Vernon Hills in front of a wild home crowd on opening night. The Knights would begin the year 7-0, and would keep the momentum heading into the Plano Christmas tournament. Northridge had their best-ever finish at the tournament, placing 3rd after knocking off Lisle, Marmion Academy and Streator.
Among the state's best 2A opponents, the Knights continued to show they were among the most competitive. Northridge dropped a tight contest to highly-ranked Leo over MLK weekend, but rebounded just over a week later with a clutch 60-57 win over state-ranked IC Catholic.
The Knights stayed hot over the course of the next couple weeks, beating a talented St. Joseph team in the Illinois/Wisconsin Border Battle, and then defeating crosstown rival Niles Notre Dame for the second straight year, 56-51.
"I'm very happy for our team, especially our seniors," head coach Will Rey said. "Winning a conference championship is always a wonderful accomplishment because those are the teams one plays year in and year out, and we know each other so well. There just aren't any secrets in terms of strategies and personnel. But to be undefeated conference champs takes on even more significance because it means that the team was mentally prepared every game, that they didn't have any letdowns, and were on target both mentally and physically every time they took the court."
While hosting the IHSA 2A regional, the Knights will welcome #2 Christ the King, #5 Francis Parker and #7 Sullivan to "The Dungeon." Northridge will play Parker on Wednesday at 7:30pm in what will be the third meeting between the conference rivals this season. The Knights won the previous two matchups.
The state tournament is an IHSA sponsored event. Admission for the IHSA regional at Northridge is $6, regardless of age. Tickets may be purchased here. It's a $7 cash admission at the gate.
