IHSA Basketball Spotlight #1 Central Catholic boys basketball

NORMAL, Ill. -The first team under the spotlight for the IHSA boys basketball season is Central Catholic, as the Saints gear up for the 2025-26 campaign.

Central Catholic finished last season with a 22-12 record, ending in a heartbreaking one-point loss, 40-39. This week, we spoke with head coach Jason Welch, senior Eoin Kone and junior Keyshawn Manning.

Coach Welch reflected on last season and how the team regrouped during the offseason.

“We had a really nice regular season, but everyone always remembers what happens at the end. These guys have worked really hard, and we’re excited. We couldn’t be more pleased about where the guys are and their approach to the season so far,” Welch said.

Kone was a standout football player for the Saints, playing both wide receiver and defensive back this fall. With the football season ending just a week ago, he discussed the quick transition into basketball.

“It’s definitely a quick turnaround, but being able to bring that in-shape approach and that physicality is great,” Kone said.

Manning shared what he brings to the court for Central Catholic.

“My biggest strengths are getting my teammates involved, being a good leader, being able to bring people up with me and just making my team better around me,” Manning said.

Welch described this year’s group with one word — “connected.” He said the players have grown up playing basketball together and share a genuine bond.

“I want these guys to really care about each other and experience those relationships together,” Welch said.

Manning said he’s looking forward to competing this season and knows the schedule won’t be easy.

“I’m really excited to see how we grow together as a team,” Manning said.

When asked what makes this year’s group different from past teams in his 19 seasons at Central Catholic, Welch pointed to the team’s balance.

“We have a wide range of different types of skilled kids. They all have areas where they really excel, and that’s very exciting for me. When you can have six or seven kids who can all score the basketball, it makes things a little bit easier,” Welch said.

Kone and Manning also discussed their upcoming opener against the Bloomington Purple Raiders, noting that several new faces will see major minutes this season. Both emphasized the importance of everyone embracing their roles and competing until the end.

The Saints enter the 2025-26 season with high hopes of making a postseason run.

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