Fighting Saints Clamp Down Glenbard West to Capture IHSA Sectional Championship

Behind a dominant defensive effort and a career-type scoring night from Brooklyn Schilb, the St. Charles East Fighting Saints rolled past Glenbard West 53-28 on Thursday night at Bartlett High School to capture the IHSA Sectional Championship. The win not only delivered a sectional title, but also served as payback for a loss to the Hilltoppers just two weeks earlier, turning a recent setback into a statement victory on one of the biggest stages of the season.

Schilb was electric from the opening tip, pouring in 32 points to pace the Saints’ offense. Whether attacking the rim, pulling up in transition or knocking down shots in the half court, she set the tone and never let Glenbard West settle defensively. With Schilb consistently applying pressure, the Hilltoppers were forced to chase, and the Saints took full advantage by building a lead that grew steadily each quarter.

Just as impressive was the way the Fighting Saints defended. Locked in from start to finish, the team held Glenbard West to just 28 points for the game, smothering drives, challenging jumpers and controlling the glass. The Hilltoppers struggled to find any rhythm, repeatedly running into a wall of Saints defenders who communicated, rotated and contested as a unit. Every possession felt like a grind for Glenbard West, while St. Charles East turned stops into momentum and confidence at the other end.

This sectional crown continued an impressive postseason run for the Saints. After closing the regular season with a strong finish and securing the right to host regionals, the team pushed through West Chicago in the IHSA Regional semifinal, then topped Batavia for the Regional Championship. At Bartlett, St. Charles East carried that same poise and toughness into the Sectional, first knocking off Lake Park in a tight semifinal before delivering one of its most complete efforts of the year against Glenbard West.

The victory also highlighted the depth of contributions beyond the box score. While Schilb’s 32 points led the way, the Saints relied on collective energy—diving for loose balls, taking charges, boxing out and making the extra pass. Those little plays added up to big swings, allowing St. Charles East to control tempo and keep the Hilltoppers chasing the game. Each quarter, the Saints’ confidence seemed to climb, fueled by the support of a loud crowd that traveled to Bartlett and turned the gym into a home-away-from-home environment.

For St. Charles East, the sectional championship is both a milestone and a springboard. Avenging a recent loss, capturing a title, and showcasing a blend of star power and team-first defense has the Fighting Saints surging into the next round with belief and momentum. No matter what comes next, this performance will stand as a proud chapter for the program—a night when the Saints rose to the moment, lifted each other up and proved they belong among the best in Illinois postseason play. The Saints will battle Loyola on Monday night at Hoffman Estates HS at 7 pm in the IHSA Super-Sectional!