4A Sectional Semi Thriller: Rolling Meadows vs. Stevenson

Tuesday night of Sectional Semifinals delivered nonstop action across the state, and this matchup was no exception. Stevenson looked poised to take control and pull off the upset, but Rolling Meadows refused to back down. After trailing in the first half, they clawed their way back, tying the game in the third quarter before sealing a thrilling overtime victory. Let's dive into the standout performances from this intense playoff showdown!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Score Summary</h2>   1st Quarter: Stevenson 11 Rolling Meadows 8   2nd Quarter: Stevenson 27 Rolling Meadows 21   3rd Quarter: Stevenson 40 Rolling Meadows 40   4th Quarter: Stevenson 49 Rolling Meadows 49   OT: Rolling Meadows 54 Stevenson 53    Tremendous hustle and grit were on display throughout the entire game. Attacked the boards relentlessly, securing numerous rebounds and creating extra possessions. Defenders struggled to keep him off the glass, as Richmond dominated inside. Executed a fantastic backcut early in the first half from the top of the key, finishing with an emphatic two-handed slam. Brought energy on every possession, chasing down loose balls and making hustle plays. Showed confidence stretching the floor, demonstrating a capable three-point shot. Knocked down all six free-throw attempts and finished with an impressive 18 points and 15 rebounds.     An absolute gamechanger in this one, as Miletic exploded for 37 points—more than half his team's total. Showcased smooth, three-level scoring, staying poised regardless of the defensive matchup, whether against length or physicality. Stepped up in every big moment when the Mustangs needed him most. The Marquette commit heard 'overrated' chants early but silenced the crowd with one clutch play after another. A dominant, statement-making performance from start to finish.     The Winona State point guard dictated the pace in a near upset, showcasing elite playmaking and unselfishness that kept his team in the fight. Without his ability to push the tempo and create for others, the score would have looked much different. Used his speed and vision to exploit defenders in transition, often blowing past flat-footed opponents. Excelled at attacking the rim, collapsing the defense, and finding teammates for quality looks. A dynamic floor general who made things happen all game long. Finished his last game at Stevenson with 13 points.     Duffer may have only notched three points on the stat sheet, but his lone three-pointer was crucial in fueling the Mustangs' comeback momentum. Defensively, the senior guard was relentless—quick, feisty, and disruptive. He applied aggressive on-ball pressure and consistently made passing lanes difficult for opponents. A high-energy presence who made an impact beyond the box score.     The junior wing has a solid frame and length that he can continue to fill out heading into his senior year. He possesses the quickness and ball-handling ability to beat defenders but can develop more consistency finishing at the rim. Williams showed strong decision-making in the semifinal, attacking defensive gaps without forcing tough shots. He displayed skill with a smooth runner off the glass and later created his own shot with a spin fadeaway off the pivot. A talented underclassman with plenty of tools that, with refinement, could make him a well-rounded threat.     The 6'6" senior wing brought the energy that helped fuel the Mustangs' rally. He played with relentless effort, making key plays when it mattered most. Soared in for an offensive rebound before calmly sinking a mid-range pull-up. One of the game's exciting moments came when Lazarevic blocked a shot on one end, then drilled a three on the other. While his contributions didn't always show up in the box score, his hustle and timely plays were crucial in this matchup.     Small colleges should be all over Curtin, as the 6'6" senior competes with relentless heart. He plays physically on the boards, using his length to his advantage. Has a quick bounce, as he showed when catching a pass at the block and rising up for a standing dunk. Consistently put himself in the right spots around the rim, positioning well for dump-offs and easy finishes. Initially looked like an interior presence, but he showed his range early by stepping into the corner and knocking down a three.     The junior guard played with great juice. Showcased a smooth floater and craftiness around the rim, including a skillful reverse layup with a defender trailing for a chasedown block attempt. Defensively, he was quick, springy, and active—applying pressure and disrupting passing lanes. Read the game well, jumping passing lanes to generate steals and deflections.

Tuesday night of Sectional Semifinals delivered nonstop action across the state, and this matchup was no exception. Stevenson looked poised to take control and pull off the upset, but Rolling Meadows refused to back down. After trailing in the first half, they clawed their way back, tying the game in the third quarter before sealing a thrilling overtime victory. Let's dive into the standout performances from this intense playoff showdown!