Xavier Saintes Aim for Title in Coach Lilly’s Final Game

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Cedar Rapids Xavier High School girls basketball team is set to compete for the state championship on Saturday, March 8, 2025, marking a significant moment as it will be the final game for long-time coach Tom Lilly. The Saintes, currently on a 13-game winning streak, defeated Norwalk 70-60 in the Class 4A semifinals.

Xavier, seeded No. 8 in the tournament, boasts an impressive record of 21-4 this season and aims to secure the program’s sixth state title under Lilly’s leadership. Lilly’s retirement announcement earlier this season has heightened the stakes of Saturday’s championship matchup, adding sentimental value to the pursuit of victory.

“Winning a state championship in my final game would be a dream come true,” Lilly said. “These girls have worked incredibly hard this season, and I’m proud of our journey together.”

The Xavier team is energized after their recent win, where Kansas University recruit Liddy Fandel stood out with an outstanding performance, contributing nearly a triple-double with 21 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists, five steals, and three blocks. Fandel’s prowess has been a driving force for the Saintes throughout the season.

In the semifinal clash against Norwalk, Taylor Rexroth added 15 points, hitting all five of her shots, including four from beyond the arc, while Madden Wilson and Jaselle Lang contributed 13 and nine points respectively.

Norwalk’s Braylyn Birmingham was a formidable adversary for the Saintes, leading the fourth-seeded Warriors with 22 points and seven rebounds. Her older sister, Bailey Birmingham, alongside Hannah Overholser, added 11 points apiece. Despite a spirited start from Xavier, which included an early 13-3 lead, Norwalk surged ahead to take a 30-25 lead into halftime.

However, Xavier’s determination shone through in the second half. Fueled by an explosive 16-2 run led by Fandel, the Saintes turned a deficit into a 46-39 advantage. Although Norwalk managed to close the gap to a single point at 52-51, the Saintes quickly countered with an 8-1 run to stabilize their lead.

Wilson’s decisive three-pointer in the closing moments solidified the Saintes’ position, ultimately securing their spot in the championship after a three-year hiatus from the title game following their 2022 championship win.

The championship game will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, where the Xavier Saintes will face their next opponent with hopes of providing Coach Lilly with a fitting farewell.