After coming off an incredible year as runner-up in the 3A state championship game, Mount Carmel basketball is hungry for redemption this upcoming 2024-2025 season. With very high hopes, new faces in the locker room, and intense preparation throughout the offseason, the Caravan aims to secure a state championship victory this year.
Mount Carmel’s heartbreaking 49-41 state championship loss to DePaul College Prep last March has fueled the team’s fire during the offseason.
“That’s the standard,” said senior guard and Air Force Academy commit Grant Best, reflecting on last year’s season. “If we don’t get back down to state, then we’ve failed our goal for this year.”
Head coach Phil Segroves has set clear goals for his team. Winning the Thanksgiving and Christmas tournaments, dominating the Catholic League, and going all the way in the state championship are all boxes he would like to check off this season. Showing the toughness and physicality that Mount Carmel basketball is known for is also something he would like to do heading into his ninth season as head coach of the varsity squad.
“Our main goal is to win every tournament we enter,” Coach Segroves said. “We’re also building on a busy offseason. In June, we practiced four or five days a week, played tournaments every weekend, and summer league games at night, finishing 27-4 in the summer.”
This year’s squad includes a balanced mix of seniors and talented newcomers. Best and fellow senior Cameron Thomas lead the team as a dynamic duo, combining explosive athleticism with a deep shooting range.
“They’re a one-two punch,” Coach Segroves said. “They can slam dunk, shoot deep threes, and handle the ball well.”
On the defensive side, senior Dylan Fulbright shines as a quick and determined defender. Junior Noah Mister, a returning member of the Caravan that transferred in from Kenwood Academy before last season, is described by Coach Segroves as “the best point guard in the Class of 2026.”
Adding fresh talent and new athleticism to the roster is junior George Gray and sophomore Logan Wessel. “It’s a fine line to bring sophomores to varsity, but Logan’s ready to play,” Coach Segroves said.
Last year’s championship loss taught the team the value of grit. Best, who is heading into his third season on varsity, shared how he’s grown from those ups and downs.
“It isn’t good all the time,” he said. “You’re going to have slumps, but those experiences make you stronger.”
The disappointment of falling short last season has driven the team’s motivation.
“We stubbed our toe twice against DePaul Prep,” Coach Segroves said. “Once in the Catholic League and again in the state championship. We were up by one with under a minute to go and lost by three. That’s a tough turn of events we’re determined to overcome this season.”
Team chemistry is another main area of focus. Best takes pride in coaching up the younger players on the team and keeping his teammates accountable.
“It feels pretty good to be a leader,” he said. “I want to coach up the young guys, get them ready, and keep everyone focused.”
The Caravan hopes that strong bonds and relentless preparation will carry them through a tough schedule and lead them back to the state championship.
“I’m cautiously optimistic,” Coach Segroves said. “We’ve got talented, athletic guards and great team chemistry.”
This season, the Caravan will face off against many tough opponents, including Bloom Township in the Team Rose Shootout. They will also compete in the Pekin Holiday Tournament, an event the team has dominated in the past few years. A highly anticipated game against DePaul College Prep on January 17 offers a chance for revenge, while St. Laurence, a team Coach Segroves describes as “very talented this year,” will give them a run for their money on January 28. The Caravan will face off against longtime rival Brother Rice on February 14 to top off the regular season, which is always an amazing matchup. With a very packed schedule, the team is beyond prepared for an intense season.
With high expectations and valuable lessons learned from last season, Mount Carmel’s basketball team is ready to make this year unforgettable.
“I’m most excited to play my last year here and see what happens in the playoffs,” said Best.
