Through the first 12 games of their season, the defensive-minded Illini West Chargers had only allowed more than 40 points to two opponents: Macomb and Monroe City. The Rockridge Rockets become the third after an efficient, balanced attack leads to a 65-36 victory in the quarterfinals. Rockridge’s largest areas of dominance were in points in the paint and fast breaks, where they outscored Illini West 36-20 and 17-6, respectively.
The defending tournament MVP Landon Bull had a quieter game (for him) in the first round, when he finished with 15 points and five rebounds. In this matchup, however, Bull caught fire and led the game in points, rebounds, and assists. He finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists on 9/13 shooting in the most complete individual performance of the 2024 event thus far. Caleb Cunico and Wade Richhart both finished with 13 points. Richhart was also second on the team with five rebounds. Landon Wheatley dished four assists. Cunico had all three blocks for the Rockets. Rockridge as a team shot 9/20 from beyond the 3-point arc.
After a good win over Brown County in the opening round, Illini West stepped into this game and unfortunately faced the best version of Rockridge. Wesley Robertson led the team’s scoring with eight points. Brennan Grotts finished with six points off the bench. The Chargers’ bench outscored the bench from the Rockets by a count of 15-5. Ethan Carlisle and Wes Smith both tied for the team-lead in rebounds with four. Robertson had four assists
Rockridge (9-4) advances to the semifinals to play Game 21, Saturday at Noon and will take on the winner of Peoria Christian/Monmouth-Roseville. Illini West (9-4) falls to the 5th place bracket and will face the loser of the Peoria Christian/Monmouth-Roseville game. Their matchup will happen in Game 19, Saturday at 9:00am.
Box Score
Illini West Info
Rockridge Info
Chris Derry
December 27, 2024