Hales Franciscan boys basketball team advances to semifinals

CHICAGO - The 2015-2016 Hales Franciscan High School Boys Basketball team defied all odds when they advanced to the Class 2A State Semifinals this week.

Hales Franciscan played the #1 ranked Orr Academy and won 62-58. With this win, the team is guaranteed at least two more games. The Spartans are headed to the Class 2A State Semifinals Friday at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, IL.

With less than 40 students in the entire school, Hales represents the smallest school to ever play for the State Championship.

“Considering the challenges that the school has had this year, I am really proud of the way they have handled themselves & overcome those challenges. These students truly serve as a role model for current and future students. This allows them to show others what being a Spartan is all about," said Gary London, Athletics Director and Boys Basketball Coach at Hales Franciscan High School.

Due to the economy and the challenge of funding private education, which lead to record low enrollment, Hales faced closure last year. Through the efforts of its board and alumni, Hales has reconstituted its curriculum leading to the largest enrollment of incoming freshman for the next academic school year.