Saturday was a big day for several high school boys’ basketball teams from around the area. Monmouth-Roseville, United, and West Central all competed in the Carl Sandburg College boys’ basketball shootout at John Lewis Gym on the campus of Carl Sandburg College. Starting the day, the West Central boys team grabbed their first win of the season with a 59-40 win over Hartsburg-Emden. It was a balanced attack for the Heat, as Isiah Stephson, Peyton Woodbury, and Hayden Eisnicher all had 12 points each to lead West Central to a much-needed win. The second game of the day pitted the United Red Storm against the Gators of Peoria Quest. In an offensive showdown, it would be Peoria Quest pulling off a comeback down double digits in the second half, ultimately getting a 73-70 win over the Red Storm. Quest was led by Cortez Cagle who poured in 27 points, while Derrick Sargeant led the way for United with 18. In the third game of the full day of basketball, Monmouth-Roseville captured a hard fought 41-37 win over the East Dubuque Warriors. Ayden Almaguer led the Titans attack with 14 points while Darrion Smith had 12.
United, West Central, and Monmouth-Roseville are all scheduled to be back in action on Tuesday pending cancellations due to expected winter weather conditions. If games are played the Heat and Red Storm will meet up against each other at United High School, while the Titans will host a conference rival in the Rockridge Rockets.
