SUPREMACY

The State Tournament down in Peoria over the weekend was terrific. A lot of buzz and excitement, attendance was one of the largest we’ve seen in many many years due to the contingent of schools representing corners of our State. East St. Louis/Belleville area, Rockford, Evanston, and our beloved Chicago area teams. The metro east/St. Clair county fan base was down there in full force, colorful and entertaining. The Peoria Civic Center was a happening environment and a place to be over the weekend. The Southern part of our State near the STL pretty much validated what we’ve been saying for few years now about some of our best players residing in that area. The likes of Liddle, TJ Hargrove-East St. Louis, Donovan Clay-Alton, Ra’Shad Taylor-Collinsville, Bryce Bultman-Nashville, Will Shumpert-Belleville West, Richard Robinson-East St. Louis, Emmitt Gordon-Madison, Jaylin Mosby-Belleville West, Tommy Williams-Belleville West, Malik Smith-Alton; supremacy in the South.

4A State Final: Belleville West 71, Evanston 59

The State’s top player E.J. Liddle performed with grace and precision, reaffirming what his game/play is all about, which is winning. He racked up 24 points, 10 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists. On Friday night in the Semi-Final game he was a stud in a victory over Curie.  Ohio State is getting a bonafide winner.

3A State Final: East St. Louis 68, Bogan 63 (OT)

East boogie was in the house in true fashion, they had about 2000 fans descend on Peoria. They were a fun bunch that took over the arena, which added to an exciting weekend. T.J. Hargrove capped off a monster weekend demonstrating why he is widely recognized as one of the top 5 players in the 2019 Class. The St. Louis U. recruit treated the fans to an exhilarating display with numerous dunks. He and Bogan’s Rashaun Agee put on an afternoon ariel show. Hargrove recorded 32 points, 10 rebounds, & 7 or 8 dunks. Agee finished with 24 points, 14 rebounds, & 5 or 6 dunks, he was magnificent as well. This was a great ball game, Bogan had control for most of the game but had a difficult time closing it.