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The Illini West Chargers wrapped up a busy Thanksgiving week at the Spartan Tip-Off Classic in Bushnell with a 3-1 record, pushing their early-season mark to 3-1 overall and a perfect 2-0 in Prairieland Conference play.
The Chargers dropped a heartbreaker in Monday’s opener, falling 51-49 to A-Town.
Illini West had a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, but the Tornadoes turned up the pressure and Charger turnovers let A-Town back into the game and eventually into a late lead.
Senior Wesley Robertson led the way with a 17-point, 6-rebound effort. Myles Wear added 8 points in the loss that left Illini West 0-1.
Tuesday brought a bounce-back blowout. The Chargers dominated Bushnell-Prairie City 53-22 for their first win of the season and their first conference victory.
Robertson again led the way with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Eli Bisby chipped in 11 points off the bench.
Wednesday’s conference matchup against West Prairie turned into another rout, 72-39. Wear came alive for 15 points and Brennan Grotts added 14 as Illini West improved to 2-1 overall and 2-0 in the Prairieland.
Friday night produced the most complete performance of the week. The Chargers jumped on Illini Bluffs early, taking a 25-6 lead into halftime and cruising to a 54-34 victory.
Robertson scored 13, Ethan Carlisle stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Cash Jones and Grotts each added 9 points.
Saturday’s scheduled finale against Macomb was postponed due to winter weather.
Changing the Numbers Tradition Continues
The Chargers kept their post-win tradition alive by letting key contributors flip the program’s all-time win total in the locker room.
Eli Bisby changed the number to win #288 after his 11 points off the bench against Bushnell-Prairie City.
Myles Wear flipped win #289 following his 15-point effort against West Prairie.
The entire JV squad earned the honor for win #290 after a strong month of preparation and their Friday victory over Illini Bluffs.
Up Next
The Chargers return to action Friday, Dec. 5 when they host Monroe City (MO) for the home opener. The JV is scheduled to tip at 6:00 p.m. with the varsity to follow.
Saturday, Dec. 6 the freshman, JV, and varsity teams all travel to Farmington. The freshman game will get the day started with a noon tip.
Tuesday, Dec. 9 the Charges travel to Mendon to take on the Mustangs. The JV tips at 6:00 p.m.