Quarterfinal #1 did not disappoint. Illini Bluffs used four double-digit scorers (including a double-double from Hank Alvey) to defeat top seeded Rockridge by a score of 61-56 in overtime. Featuring two teams that were a combined 19-4 entering the game, this hotly contested game was what the fans came to see. Thoroughly entertaining from start to finish for two well-coached squads. As often happens in close games with tightly-matched teams, free throws were the story. Illini Bluffs shot 15-of-17 from the free throw line, as Rockridge shot just 6-of-13.
Illini Bluffs (12-2) had the aforementioned double-double from Hank Alvey, who finished with 12 points and 13 rebounds. The “Swiss Alvey Knife” also had four assists, four blocks, a steal, and didn’t miss from the free throw line (4-for-4). Bluffs was actually led in scoring by Wyatt Hendel’s 15 points. Devon White (14) and Brandon Coats (13) also finished in double figures in a balanced attack that left Rockridge wondering who was going to shine next. White’s 14 came off the bench and was a big reason that the Tigers won the bench scoring battle against the Rockets 14-to-2.
Rockridge (8-3) had two players stand out in Jase Whiteman (20 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals) and Landon Bull (17 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and three steals). Landon Wheatley had a game-high four steals. Whiteman was simply unable to get it going from beyond the arc, as the senior guard shooter was only able to get 3-of-16 to fall.
Bluffs advances to the semifinals to face the winner of West Hancock and Camp Point Central’s quarterfinal #2. The semifinal will be played at 1:00 on Friday in Game 21. Rockridge falls to the 5th place bracket, where they will play the loser of the WH/CPC game, on Friday at 9:00am in Game 19.
Box Score
Illini Bluffs Info
Rockridge Info
Chris Derry
December 28, 2022
