Previewing the IHSA Class 1A/2A basketball state finals

It will take a lot of success for Ronnie Fields’ coaching career to reach the heights of his playing career.

The former Farragut star still attracts attention when he walks into a gym. Many fans consider him the most exciting basketball player they’ve watched at any level.

“[The Hope kids] are tired of hearing about it,” Fields said. “I had my time in the spotlight. I enjoy seeing these young men experience success and having fun with them. That’s where I get the most fulfillment. My joy comes in the background.”

Fields’ coaching career is off to a notable start, as he has taken Hope Academy to the state finals in his first two seasons.

The Eagles lost in the Class 1A semifinals last year and had their eyes on a return trip to Champaign all season. Juniors Tyjuan Hunter and Jaiden Simmons are back from last year’s team.

Fields revealed Tuesday that Hunter, Hope’s point guard, played through a pulled groin muscle in the semifinals last season. He had 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists and five steals in the loss to Mounds Meridian.

“[Hunter] is a leader,” Fields said. “He has that will to never give up and leads us in the biggest moments.”

Simmons, a 6-4 forward, is a skilled rebounder and shot blocker.

“[Simmons’] quickness in his first jump is something I haven’t seen in a long time,” Fields said. “He saves on the back end on a lot of plays.”

Hope Academy faces Effingham’s St. Anthony (29-4) in the semifinals Thursday morning. The Bulldogs beat Lincoln-Way East and Teutopolis and knocked off Mounds Meridian in the supersectionals.

Eastland (33-4) and Peoria Christian (28-9) square off in the second 1A semifinal. Eastland, located in Lanark (population 1,504), is the only small-town school at the finals.

“This community loves sports,” Eastland coach Tyler Zumdahl said. “Everyone is buzzing, from the gas station to the grocery store. It’s amazing. Every time we win a postseason plaque, the fire department takes us through town and everyone is on their porch.”

All-Chicago title game in Class 2A?

Christ the King and Dyett have played rugged schedules this season and are fully capable of winning their semifinal matchups and meeting in the Class 2A state title game.

Dyett (25-7) will have its hands full with Peoria Manual (23-12) and star Dietrich Richardson. The Bradley recruit is one of the best players in the state.

Dyett isn’t reliant on a star player. Coach Jamaal Gill’s team is balanced and deep with five senior starters: Jaden McKinnon, Rickey Coleman, Aramis Brown, Mikai Harris and Devon Shelton.

Dyett’s path to Champaign in the last several years is impressive. Gill led the Eagles through the ranks of the entire Public League relegation system. In his first year as coach, the Public League didn’t even put the team in a conference.

“We started in 2016 with just freshmen,” Gill said. “It’s surreal right now, this Dyett thing. The guys have really stepped up.”

Christ the King (26-9), which plays Belleville Althoff (30-5) in the first 2A semifinal, is one of the most athletic teams at the state finals. Seniors Aaron McClure and Darien Green are strong, high-scoring, high-flying players.

Green averages 20 points, five rebounds and four assists. McClure, one of the city’s best dunkers, averages 20 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks.

“We aren’t here to celebrate being in Champaign,” Gladiators coach Troy Caldwell said. “We are here to win the 2A state championship.”