Everything about Peoria Christian speaks to the current economic trend of downsizing.
The Chargers start five guards, the tallest being 6-foot-2-inch Tyler Griggs. And they have only four reserves.
Yet somehow, little David slew another Goliath in Friday’s Class A quarterfinals, beating Metropolis Massac County 79-65 in Carver Arena. Peoria Christian (30-3) will face Winnebago (30-1) at 11 a.m. Saturday.
“Far as I know, there’s nothing in our admissions policy about not accepting kids taller than 6-2,” Christian coach Fred Fox said. “I think we’re an easy team to like because we’re always the underdog.”
The Chargers gave up 19 offensive rebounds to Massac County and its front line of 6-8 Gerren Rogers, 6-5 Dominique Petty (16 points, nine rebounds, four blocks) and 6-4 Justin Kindle.
But Peoria Christian had four players in double figures and eight who hit at least one three-pointer. That was more than enough to overcome the vertical challenge.
“It takes four of us to guard the post,” said 5-10 guard Jay Hawkins. “We’re so used to being small that there’s never any intimidation.”
Peoria Christian led 57-44 after three quarters and didn’t let Massac County within seven in the fourth quarter.
Winnebago 62, St. Anne 60: Winnebago trailed the entire game until David Merchant (15 points, three steals) scored with 1 minute 57 seconds left to give the Indians a 59-58 lead. Chad Nelson’s free throw with 1:15 remaining gave Winnebago a two-point lead. Tyrice Bender tied it on a 12-foot jumper in the lane with 1:03 to go.
The Indians ran down the clock until :05.5 when 6-5 sophomore Devan Bawinkel was fouled by Clay Butler.
Bawinkel immediately flashed back to Tuesday night when his foul shot in the closing seconds lifted his team to a 57-56 victory over Rock Falls in the DeKalb supersectional.
“I did it against Rock Falls, and I felt confident I could do it again,” Bawinkel said. “I just concentrated real hard and got them in.”
Led by Butler and Felix Thurman, who combined for 30 points and 23 rebounds, St. Anne (27-5) built a nine-point lead early in the fourth quarter. But Winnebago kept chipping away behind David Merchant (15 points), Ben Powers (13) and Bobby Tisdale (12).
Quincy Notre Dame 87, Pana 66: The Raiders will be Leo’s opponent in the 12:45 p.m. semifinal after easing past the Panthers in Friday’s last quarterfinal. After leading 39-30 at halftime, Notre Dame (29-3) built a 75-55 lead midway through the fourth quarter. Joe Terwelp led the Raiders with 27 points.
