Between football and basketball, Camp Point Central’s Panthers hadn’t lost since March. March. Just a month ago, many of these Panther players had just celebrated a 1A state football championship. Macomb snapped their winning streak as the Bombers took the second semifinal game by a score of 32-27. This was a defensive showcase and a low-scoring affair. The score at halftime was just 15-11 in favor of the Bombers. Looking at the stat sheet, Central had some good news and some bad news. The good news is they forced 15 turnovers and only committed six of their own. And not only that, the points-off-turnovers battle was won by CPC to the tune of 20-2. The bad news is…the Panthers had a stretch where they were very cold. In fact, they only shot 10-of-46 (21.7%) for the game.
Macomb got a double-double from Dion Doyle, as he had the game-high in points (10), rebounds (11), and blocks (3). Doyle was tied in scoring with Malachi Conley, who had a few clutch baskets including a three-pointer as the shot clock expired in the 4th quarter. Ian Case was second on the team in rebounds with nine. The Bombers won the war in the paint by a tally of 20-12.
Camp Point Central was led in scoring and rebounding by Gavin Blewett’s nine points and nine rebounds. Elijah Genenbacher pitched in seven points, including making the only three-pointer he attempted. Drew Paben dished out three assists…the only assists that Central had. Paben and Nick Moore both swiped six steals as a part of their turnover forcing defensive barrage.
Macomb advances to the Championship, where they will meet up with Rockridge, tonight in Game 26 at 9:30pm. Macomb hasn’t made the title game since 2010, when they defeated Illini West. Central will battle with West Hancock in the 3rd Place game at 8:00 (Game 25). The Panthers are going for their second consecutive 3rd Place trophy, after beating Southeastern last year.
Box Score
Macomb Info
Camp Point Central Info
Chris Derry
December 30, 2023