Sat Mar 08 21:20:00 UTC 2025: **Cedar Rapids Xavier Heads to State Championship Game in Coach Lilly’s Final Game**

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Cedar Rapids Xavier High School’s girls basketball team will compete in the state championship game on Saturday, marking a bittersweet moment for longtime coach Tom Lilly, who is retiring after 40 years. The Saintes, an eighth seed, secured their spot after a hard-fought 70-60 victory over the fourth-seeded Norwalk Warriors in the Class 4A semifinals.

Leading the charge for Xavier was Kansas University recruit Liddy Fandel, who nearly achieved a triple-double with 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists, adding 5 steals and 3 blocks. Taylor Rexroth contributed 15 points, Madden Wilson scored 13, and Jaselle Lang added 9 points. Norwalk’s Braylyn Birmingham led her team with 22 points and 7 rebounds.

Xavier dominated early, but Norwalk rallied to take a halftime lead. A strong second-half surge, fueled by Fandel’s performance and a key three-pointer from Wilson, secured the victory for the Saintes. This marks Xavier’s seventh appearance in the championship game, and their 13th consecutive win, with most victories by double digits. They’ve already won five state titles under Coach Lilly. The championship game tips off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

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