Regional play underway for hoops squads

Gibault’s Johnny Adams launches a shot over Valmeyer’s Michael Chism during Saturday’s contest won by the Hawks. For more photos from the game, click here. (Corey Saathoff photo)

It’s postseason time for local high school basketball teams, who are just hoping to survive and advance knowing the next game could be their last.

Valmeyer and Red Bud won first round regional contests Monday night, while Dupo ended its season. 

Gibault begins regional play tonight, and rivals Columbia and Waterloo will battle each other next week.

The Pirates (15-14) kept their season alive by virtue of a 69-47 victory over rival New Athens at the Class 1A Okawville Regional. 

Philip Reinhardt scored 20 points to lead the Pirates, including 6-for-10 shooting from three-point range. Valmeyer will battle Lovejoy tonight for a berth in the regional final on Friday night.

Red Bud took down Dupo at the Class 2A Pinckneyville Regional, 56-34, despite trailing 11-10 after the first quarter. 

Alex Birchler scored 15 points to lead the Musketeers, who face Gibault tonight. The winner of Wednesday’s game will play in the regional final on Friday.

Kolbie Allen led the Tigers (6-20) with 13 points and seven rebounds in defeat.

Dupo also lost at Red Bud on Friday, 57-39, in what was the regular season finale for both teams. The Musketeers led 22-10 after the first quarter.

A Saturday afternoon Monroe County showdown ended a busy week in high school boys basketball action. 

Gibault (9-19) hit some big shots late to win at Valmeyer, 68-55. The game was tied 29-29 at halftime in the regular season finale for both squads.

Carter Kesler made two big three-pointers in the fourth quarter to propel the Hawks to victory. Karson Huels led Gibault with 26 points. Logan Doerr added 15 points.

Owen Miller scored 20 points and Michael Chism added 16 points and eight rebounds for the Pirates.

The Hawks gave undefeated Marquette a run for their money at home Friday night. The Hawks lost the game, 42-25, but trailed by just three points with four minutes remaining. 

After losing 15 of 16 games between Nov. 24 and Jan. 16, Gibault has gone 6-4, including a Jan. 27 win at Red Bud.

Also on Friday, Valmeyer suffered a 62-57 upset loss at Marissa. The Pirates were outscored 35-27 in the second half. 

Chism led Valmeyer with 19 points. 

Waterloo (7-20) lost 63-59 at home to Mascoutah. The game was tied with five minutes remaining. 

The Bulldogs led 37-27 at halftime, but the Indians came marching back. 

Ross Schrader led Waterloo with 15 points, followed by Eli Dodd with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Columbia (15-11) pulled off a dramatic 59-58 win at Cahokia Conference foe Freeburg on Friday. Jordan Holmes hit the game-winning shot with seven seconds remaining. He scored 19 points on the night, as did teammate Jon Peterson. 

In Class 3A, Columbia and Waterloo will meet at the Waterloo Regional this Monday night, with the winner to face Civic Memorial on Tuesday. Other teams in the Waterloo Regional are Mascoutah, Freeburg and Marquette.

Columbia has beaten Waterloo twice already this season. 

The Eagles hosted Breese Central on Tuesday night and will close the regular season at home Friday night against Triad.

The Bulldogs hosted Jerseyville on Tuesday night and will close the regular season Friday night at Civic Memorial.

Last Tuesday night, Columbia lost at Wesclin, 64-49. The Eagles were outscored 21-8 in the third quarter. Holmes scored 16 points and dished out eight assists for Columbia.

Waterloo lost at Highland last Tuesday, 67-49. The ‘Dogs were outscored 22-10 in the second quarter. Schrader scored 16 points for Waterloo.

Valmeyer posted an 81-77 overtime victory at home over Lovejoy last Tuesday. Chism led the Pirates with 36 points and 12 rebounds. Miller added 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Dupo defeated Lebanon last Tuesday, 33-26, led by Kyle Steinhauer’s 15 points. 

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Corey Saathoff

Corey is the editor of the Republic-Times. He has worked at the newspaper since 2004, and currently resides in Columbia. He is also the principal singer-songwriter and plays guitar in St. Louis area country-rock band The Trophy Mules.
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