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Caleb Chavers, HF best New Trier

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CHAMPAIGN — Homewood-Flossmoor’s Caleb Chavers he was soaked in the moment, almost in disbelief at what he was doing on the biggest stage.

Chavers played just three minutes Friday night but made some of the biggest plays, including two free throws that helped propel the Vikings to the Class 4A state championship game.

“It was really emotional,” said senior guard Chavers, who came off the bench. “This is very special because this is my senior year and I experienced a lot of perseverance this season.

“To be in this moment, to be a part of this team and to be a part of this win, it’s special.”

Chavers’ rebound and free throw with 3.4 seconds left would secure HF’s 40-35 victory over New Trier in the Class 4A semifinal at State Farm Center.

Bryce Heard He led the Vikings (32-4) with 16 points and 7 rebounds. recruiting at Columbia Gianni Cobb We collected 12 points and Carson Brownfield pulled down six rebounds.

HF will play for the state championship against Normal Community (32-5), which beat Palatine 58-38, on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Christopher Kirkpatrick led New Trier (29-8) with 13 points.

Kirkpatrick was held scoreless in the fourth quarter, and Chavers was largely to blame. HF coach Jamere Dismukes introduced him into the game for several key defensive positions.

And Chavers matched up with Kirkpatrick.

“Caleb is our best defender on the entire team,” Cobb said.

Homewood-Flossmoor’s Gianni Cobb (1) drives to the basket after stealing a pass against New Trier in the Class 4A state semifinal on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the State Farm Center in Champaign. (Vincent D. Johnson/Daily Southtown)

Chavers then grabbed the biggest rebound of his life after Kirkpatrick’s potentially tying 3-point shot went off target in the closing seconds.

Chavers was fouled and after not being able to shoot all night, he calmly made both free throws.

“That made me so happy,” Chavers said. “I was really focused on the whole game. I didn’t touch the ground for that long, so I had to be ready to go when I got in.

“When my brothers come and ask me to finish the game, I have to do it for them.”

junior guard jayden tyler He gave Chavers a quick message before the free throws.

“I said, ‘You were out the entire game, but you made a big splash for us. Take your time and finish this game,'” Tyler said.

Homewood-Flossmoor's Caleb Chavers (3) makes his second free throw in the final seconds of the Class 4A state semifinal game against New Trier on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the State Farm Center in Champaign.  (Vincent D. Johnson/for) Daily Southtown)
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Caleb Chavers (3) makes his second free throw against New Trier in the Class 4A state semifinal on Friday, March 8, 2024, at State Farm Center in Champaign. (Vincent D. Johnson/Daily Southtown)

Dismukes said Chavers’ teammates were smiling with pride for him.

“When we walked into the locker room, all the guys embraced him,” Dismukes said. “It was very emotional and I thought a tear was going to flow.

“I told him, ‘Let it go. It’s so cool. You have to have emotions at this point because you helped us win a game that would get us to the state championship game and now we have a chance to make history.’”

Chavers said he makes a point of being prepared for his opportunities.

“I just need to be energized on the bench,” he said. “That’s our whole team. We are always ready. We are all clapping on the bench and cheering on our teammates.

“We know we have to be ready when the time comes.”

Both teams struggled offensively for most of the match and the first half ended in a tie of 11-11.

Homewood-Flossmoor's Jayden Tyler (0) and Caleb Chavers (3) catch a jump pass from New Trier's Christopher Kirkpatrick (1) during the Class 4A state semifinals on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the State Farm Center in Champaign. trying to prevent it.  For Vincent D. Johnson/Daily Southtown)
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Jayden Tyler (0) and Caleb Chavers (3) defend against New Trier’s Christopher Kirkpatrick (1) during the Class 4A state semifinals at State Farm Center in Champaign on Friday, March 8, 2024 . (Vincent D. Johnson / Southtown Daily)

Heard put HF ahead with seven points in the third quarter, and Cobb broke through in a big moment with a steal and 3-point play to give the Vikings a 35-29 lead with 1:05 left in the game.

“I knew he was going to score, so I faked it, got the big steal and the one-and-one,” Cobb said. “It was a big game for my team. It helped us get back together.”

Playing in the program’s second state championship game, HF is seeking its first championship after losing the Class AA final to Peoria in 2004.

An unlikely hero in Chavers is a big reason why the Vikings have this opportunity.

“Getting the rebound, icing the game, it’s one of those moments you’ll remember forever,” Chavers said. “Now we will go and get this ring.”

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