***Itzel Mosso Ramos is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
On Friday, Jan. 31, the Boilers basketball program went up against the Princeton Tigers in Brockman Gym. The two schools faced off as part of OSF’s Rivalry Series and for a full house of fans.
Though the sophomore Boilers got through their win (55-40), Princeton took the victory in the dramatic varsity match (60-69).
Initially, the varsity game looked good for the hosts. Kewanee had a nine-point lead on Princeton at the end of the first quarter, 20-11.
In the second quarter, Princeton made up for its slow start by nearly tying up the game. By halftime, the Boilers’ lead had shrunk to 34-29.
A fierce third quarter brought the two teams to a 46-46 tie and paved the way for an explosive finale.
After 15 free-throw attempts for Princeton in the fourth quarter, nine of which the Tigers made, the evening ended with a visitor victory, 69-60.
Despite losing, the Boilers had a strong point leader in senior Colson Welgat, who brought Kewanee 22 points. Noah LaPorte, the Tigers’ top scorer, also brought home 22 points.
Senior Catrelle Reed was close to Welgat with 17 points.
Other top scorers for the varsity Boilers included:
Brayden Conley – 3 points
Griffin Hicks – 6 points
Kashen Ellerbrock – 6 points
Greyden Lewis – 3 points
Logan Peed – 3 points
Freshman Chris Crowe led the sophomore team with 16 points. Behind him, the top scorers for the Boilers included:
Isaiah Ince – 9 points
Adiel Arjon – 4 points
Dayvon Robinson – 9 points
Jesus Martinez – 9 points
Leeam Slover – 6 points
Detravius Taylor – 2 points
The Boiler varsity currently stands with 11 wins and 13 loses this season. Within the conference, Kewanee faces a 2-5 record.
The Boilers will host the Monmouth-Roseville Titans in Brockman Gym this Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m.
Three days later, Kewanee will play its next conference match against the Hall Red Devils, also in Brockman Gym, starting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 7.
