Brother Rice had been to the Class 3A sectional finals two years in a row, losing to Kenwood in 2023 and Thornton in 2024. 

Senior Marcos Gonzales was there for both losses and he was not going to let it happen a third time. 

“After we lost (to Thornton), I said we’d be back here and we’re going to go even further,” Gonzales said. “I like to keep my promises.”

He did, helping the Crusaders beat Lemont 53-41 on March 7 in the title game of their own Class 3A sectional. It’s Rice’s first sectional title since 2005.

Gonzales scored a game-high 20 points, grabbed seven rebounds and had three assists for Rice (29-6). Jack Weigus, who transferred in from Hinsdale South this season, added 18 points and six rebounds..

“You never know how (new players are) going to mesh with the rest, especially coming in as a senior and maybe taking someone’s spot on the court and in the starting lineup,” Crusaders coach Conte Stamas said. “He came in and was accepted by everybody.”

Gonzales scored 11 points in the first quarter, which ended with Rice up 18-7.

The Crusaders led by as many as 13 points in the first half, but Lemont cut the deficit to single digits heading into halftime.

Gonzales knew Weigus a little bit before they were both Crusaders. But their bond has grown stronger throughout this past year. Not only are they teammates, but also classmates and friends. 

They share math, sports officiating and pure ministry classes together at Brother Rice and hang out outside of school too.

“Since the day he stepped foot into the gym last summer, we have bonded ever since,” Gonzales said. “He’s really grown to be one of my best friends.”

Weigus said this transition has been “seamless” especially with Gonzales helping lead the way for the Crusaders anywhere they go.

“He’s a great player, but he’s an even better friend,” Weigus said. “He’s been an outstanding teammate, leader and friend.”

Caden Workman had nine points, four rebounds and three assists for the Crusaders.

“We knew that this was our game,” Weigus said. “We … wanted to defend the home floor,” Weigus said. “It was just a matter of putting our foot on the pedal and extending the lead and burying them.”

The win was Rice’s sixth in a row.

“What’s really turned it around for us lately is we’re playing really good defense,” Stamas said.