Southwestern Conference Showdown Upcoming Week

This week showcases a variety of action as the Southwestern Conference continues to build its reputation. This article highlights key matchups and players to watch during the week. Next week, we will break down each game and discuss each player's individual play.   All Varsity start times are scheduled at 7:30 pm.     Collinsville Kahoks @ Belleville East Lancers - Tuesday 12/09/25    Collinsville's [player_tooltip player_id='2441567' first='Jace' last='Wilkinson'] is their leading scorer, averaging nearly 14 points per game. It will be interesting to see Wilkinson (#2) and the Kahoks' strategy against the Lancers' fast-moving defense.    Jace possesses good dribbling skills and makes smart decisions on the court. Wilkinson is a team player who moves the ball well to find open teammates.      Belleville West Maroons @ Edwardsville Tigers - Tuesday 12/09/25    The Maroons are a team this year making a case for why they should make the playoffs, and he's helping them do so. Lloyd (#1) leads the team in points, averaging nearly 23 per game. The well-structured defense of the Edwardsville Tigers will have their hands full with Lloyd (#1).   Lloyd is a great ball handler who sees the court well. These qualities help him find gaps and drive to the rim.    East St. Louis Flyers @ O'Fallon Panthers - Tuesday 12/09/25    Panthers [player_tooltip player_id='1501486' first='Ben' last='Akoro'] certainly showcased his versatile skillset last week against the Lancers, leading the team to an OT win after scoring 25 points. Akoro averages nearly 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game. I look forward to seeing how Akoro (#3) adapts to Flyers basketball.   Standing at 6'8”, Akoro appears comfortable playing down low, bringing the ball up the court, and taking long-range shots.        Collinsville Kahoks @ O'Fallon Panthers - Friday – 12/12/25    Collinsville basketball definitely has a history of success, and De'Andre Brown (#10) is another key player. De'Andre (#10) also has an impressive long-range shot, sinking fifty percent of his three-point attempts. With the Panthers' dramatic win over the Lancers, they aim to keep their momentum when facing <a href="https://x.com/Deandre_2026/status/1939515906142470395">De'Andre Brown (#10)</a> and the Kahoks.   Brown handles the ball well, rarely turns it over, and has a good jump shot. Brown is also a threat from beyond the arc.      Belleville East Lancers @ Belleville West Maroons - Friday – 12/12/25    This longstanding rivalry in Belleville, IL, will showcase more athleticism. Keep an eye on the Lancers, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19720567/Troy-Alexander">Troy Alexander (#2)</a>. The multi-sport athlete is arguably one of the more underrated talents in the area. Not to mention, Alexander (#2) is currently leading the team in scoring, averaging around fifteen points per game. Alexander (#2) aims to help lead the team to a vital rivalry win after an upsetting OT loss to the Panthers.   Alexander uses his speed and athleticism to create turnovers. On a high-scoring night, his strong suit has been his pull-up jumper.      Alton Redbirds @ Edwardsville Tigers - Friday – 12/12/25    If you're into three-point shootouts, this could be the game to watch. This past Saturday, Edwardsville's [player_tooltip player_id='2962216' first='Brady' last='Niemi'] sank an impressive seven of nine three-pointers, including at least two from beyond eight feet past the arc. That's exactly what the Tigers will need to overcome the soaring Redbirds.   A long-distance sharpshooter who's looking to take shots well behind the arc. If he heats up and finds distance, he can take control of the game.

This week showcases a variety of action as the Southwestern Conference continues to build its reputation. This article highlights key matchups and players to watch during the week. Next week, we will break down each game and discuss each player's individual play.