Marquette Catholic Basketball Girls Win 13th IHSA Regional Title

ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School’s girls basketball team captured the program’s 13th IHSA Regional Championship in school history on Thursday night, Feb. 19, 2026, defeating Gillespie 44-32 to advance to the IHSA Class 2A Sectional semifinals at Virden (North Mac) on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.

A photo of the girls on the squad with their championship trophy is above.

20% Off Car Wash for Seniors Every Tuesday

Shop Local

Auto Butler Car Wash & Express Lube

Get This Deal →

The Explorers improved to 19-11 overall on the season and will face top sectional seed 26-2 Pleasant Plains at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Virden (North Mac).

“I am just super proud of my team and their accomplishment of winning the regional title,” head coach Whitney Sykes said after the victory.

Marquette Catholic is the third seed in the sectional.