The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
-by IW Head Coach Justin Ellison
Illini West defeated Beardstown on Saturday February 19th in the first round of the IHSA Class 2A Regional play in Carthage. Illini West's Senior Max Richardson (pictured above) led all scores with 28 points. Nolan Deitrich followed with 14 points, and Trayton Anders added 11 points.
The Chargers built up a 26-8 lead in the first 10 minutes of the game and never looked back.
The Chargers started the game making 4 threes in the first quarter including a buzzer beater by Trayton Anders! The Chargers then lead 40-22 at halftime.
The Chargers started the 3rd quarter by scoring the first 6 points to increase their halftime lead up to 48-22 going on to end the 3rd quarter 56-35. The Illini West boys closed the night with a 69-50 win.
Seven different team members scored for Illini West who will now play Quincy Notre Dame (18-11) in the Regional semifinals on Wednesday night in Beardstown at 7:30 pm.
Charger team members adding to the score were Cole Kirkham and Brady Robertson each with 5 points, Aiden Moore with 4 points, and Nick Manzo adding 2.
Saturday's win moves the Chargers overall win-loss record to 20-9. Beardstown ended 9-20 overall.
Wednesday's 7:30 p.m. game at Beardstown for Illini West vs QND will follow the 6 p.m. semifinal game of West Hancock Hamilton/Warsaw (12-15) vs. Pleasant Plains (18-9).
Winners of the 2 games play in the Regional Championship at Beardstown Feb. 25th at 7:30 pm.