CARROLLTON - The St. John the Evangelist School Seventh Grade Lady Redbirds secured fourth place in the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) 7-1A State Basketball tournament, concluding their season with a 16-8 overall record. The Redbirds competed against several teams across the state to capture fourth place.
On Dec. 6, 2025, St. John advanced to the semifinals after a 22-17 victory over Ottawa Wallace, led by Brylee Madson’s 12 points. However, Peoria Christian defeated them 28-12 in the semifinals. In the third-place game of the IESA State Tournament, Lincoln West Lincoln-Broadwell edged out Carrollton 32-25.
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Madson led St. John’s with 14 points in the third-place game, while teammates Shyann Grafford contributed seven points, and Kyndal Radolph and Bailey Eilerman added two points each.
Normal Epiphany claimed the state championship in the IESA 7-1A division with an undefeated 26-0 record.
In addition to the team’s success, Brooklyn Steinacher from Carrollton St. John was recognized as an Outstanding Sportsmanship Pin winner by the Illinois Elementary School Association. The award highlights exemplary conduct and sportsmanship during the competition.
The Lady Redbirds’ performance in the state tournament marks a notable achievement for St. John the Evangelist School’s basketball program.
