On March 2, 2023, four teams entered CEFCU Arena (formerly Redbird Arena) on the campus of Illinois State University hoping to earn the title of IHSA Class 2A Girls Basketball State Champions. And then, on March 4, 2023, there was one – our Lady Knights!
Join us in congratulating our Basketball Lady Knights, head coach Craig Zurliene ’92, and assistant coaches Bridget (Beckmann) Winter ’97 and Terri (Henken) Souder ’94 on their historic season, during which they were crowned the 2023 IHSA Class 2A Girls Basketball State Champions! Team members are seniors Madison Eversgerd, Alexis Kampwerth, Julia Korte, Carissa Litteken, and Cora Meyer; juniors Ryann Becker, Emma Eversgerd, Sam Muscarello, Avery Trame, and Madison Winkeler; sophomores Alyssa Koerkenmeier and Maris Zurliene; and freshmen Amelia Beer, Lily Butler, and Addison Ringwald. Managers are sophomores Nev Kramer and Aubrey Wilburn and freshman Marlee Loepker.
The state title is the first in the history of Lady Knights Basketball! (The 1990-1991 team was the first of seven teams to advance to the Elite Eight before this 2022-2023 team.) Additionally, with a record of 27-7, the Lady Knights place second (tied) in the program’s history for most wins in a single season. (Both the 1990-1991 team and the 1993-1994 team won 28 games in a single season.)
Our Lady Knights also made their mark in the history of the IHSA Girls Basketball State Final Tournament! As a team, with 15 blocks in the championship game, the Lady Knights recorded the most blocks in a single game (regardless of class). Individually, 6′ 5″ sophomore Alyssa Koerkenmeier, with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 blocks in the championship game, now holds the record for most blocks in a single game and is only the second player to record a triple double (regardless of class).
Finally, our Lady Knights not only achieved athletic success, but also demonstrated a high-level of sportsmanship throughout their season, thereby serving as examples of how we can be the hands of Christ in our very competitive world. (link to additional article: “Elation, heartbreak and a moment of kindness and compassion at the Illinois girls basketball championships”)
Say it loud and proud: We are MD!
(article published 3-17-23 and updated 8-22-23)
On March 4, 2023, our Lady Knights were crowned the 2023 IHSA Class 2A Girls Basketball State Champions! (photo courtesy of Matt Wilson)
