Hanover Central defeated Illiana Christian 39-30 in an IHSAA Class 3A sectional matchup.
The game took place March 3 at Hanover Central High School in Cedar Lake, Indiana, as part of the 2025-26 IHSAA Class 3A Boys Basketball State Tournament.
Hanover Central earned the postseason victory behind a strong defensive effort in a low-scoring contest. The Wildcats limited Illiana Christian’s offensive opportunities and controlled the pace of play as the game unfolded. Hanover Central gradually created separation on the scoreboard while maintaining defensive pressure to secure the nine-point victory in the sectional opener.
The Wildcats relied on balanced contributions throughout the lineup during the postseason matchup. Hanover Central’s roster includes seniors Langdon Oldenburg, JP Driscoll, Ben Schreiber, Jack Geldmyer and Owen Sosnowski. Juniors Lukas Valiska, Beau Wiancek, Christopher Maranowicz, Anthony Layman, Greg Sheppard and Callan Salgado also played key roles for the Wildcats this season, while sophomore Ryan Garcia is part of the team’s rotation.
The win provided Hanover Central with an important postseason moment as the Wildcats defended their home court and continued their pursuit of a deeper run in the sectional tournament.
