Redbirds vs. Lancers: Regional Showdown Breakdown

Matthew Clendenin March 1, 2026 @ 01:55 PM

The Alton Redbirds have their hands full on 03/03/2026. They face the Edwardsville Tigers in the Section Semifinals. The Tigers are seeded just two spots higher than the Redbirds. This article explains how some of the Redbirds contributed to the championship. It also details what to look for as you head into the Sectional finals.     Recap -   The Belleville East Lancers lost the Regional Championship to the Alton Redbirds, 59–48. Though the score doesn't fully capture how the game unfolded. The game saw momentum swings for both teams. The Redbirds had a 12–0 run in the first quarter. The Lancers had a 9–0 run later. To add more context, the second quarter started with a two-point difference. The third and fourth quarters both began tied.   The Difference Maker –   [player_tooltip player_id='2540188' first='Ryan' last='Howard'] (#3) of the Alton Redbirds was clearly the game changer. Howard succeeded for Alton by finding open lanes and driving hard to the basket. It wasn't flashy, but it earned him thirty points. The Lancers couldn't find an answer for Howard from the tip-off until the final seconds ticked off the clock. He scored first in the first quarter to energize the Redbirds. In the fourth quarter, he helped his team regain momentum. He guided them to their Regional Championship.   Helping Hand –   Alton Redbirds' [player_tooltip player_id='2376270' first='Semaj' last='Stampley'] (#0) certainly made an impact on the scoreboard. He scored 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Stampley is a threat from every angle; he's a deep three-point shooter with an impressive 36 percent. He also has strong ball-handling skills and is explosive when driving to the basket. Additionally, Stampley used his quick hands and feet to force turnovers.    Clutch –   Alton Redbirds'(#4) <a href="https://prephoops.com/2026/02/scouting-ofallon-regional-belleville-east-and-alton-advance/">Tysean Jones</a> made a significant impact in the game by hitting a couple of clutch three-pointers. One of them in the third quarter helped his team extend its lead over the Lancers to five points. The other was a deep three in the fourth quarter. This shot helped shift the game's momentum. It also contributed to a Redbirds victory.   Met With Resistance –   The tough Redbirds defense was definitely challenged when facing the crafty ball-handler [player_tooltip player_id='3361100' first='Jalen' last='Coleman'] (#0). He was explosive all night. He used his size to his advantage. He drove hard to the rim for a layup or drew a foul. He poked the ball loose on defense to create fast breaks. Coleman showcased his dribbling skills. He dropped the Redbirds' point guard to the floor with a crossover step-back move. Then he hit a three-pointer.   The Future –   The Lancers had at least two underclassmen who helped them fight the Redbirds. DaeJon Marshall (#10) is a freshman combo guard. He was noticeable during the Regional Championship. He was impactful throughout the Lancers' season. He's a confident player with a good shot from all areas of the court, including deep three-pointers. <a href="https://prephoops.com/2026/01/underclassmen-with-upside/">Savon Wade</a> (#20) has also been influential for the Lancers. Wade plays a strong power forward role. He uses his strength to tip in or grab rebounds. He utilizes his body to create space in the paint.

The Alton Redbirds have their hands full on 03/03/2026. They face the Edwardsville Tigers in the Section Semifinals. The Tigers are seeded just two spots higher than the Redbirds. This article explains how some of the Redbirds contributed to the championship. It also details what to look for as you head into the Sectional finals.