Analysis: Tinley Park, Calhoun Already Looking Forward to Next Season

For Jon Calhoun, Friday night was heartbreaking.

But the good news for the Tinley Park junior guard is that this wasn't his last shot at the ultimate goal—being part of a state championship basketball team.

Calhoun posted 17 points and three rebounds in in the Class 3A Rich East Regional title game.

Calhoun said the loss was an especially tough one to swallow.

"This is what we wanted," he said. "This is what we fought for all season. We wanted to get to state, but we just didn't get it."

Titans head coach D.J. Brown said he was impressed by the way Calhoun stepped in Friday night’s game and during the season. Calhoun had a huge game in the Titans’ regional semifinal win over Rich East with 19 points, five rebounds, four steals and two assists.

"He's only a junior. He's been making great strides this year,” Brown said. “It'll be great to have him back on the team next year."

Calhoun is determined to be a difference-maker as a senior.

 "We're going to be losing a lot of seniors, but we need to focus on our defense. I think that's the key,” Calhoun said. “We'll just take each team one game at a time."