3 Takeaways: Belleville East vs East St. Louis

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the final night of the regular season in Southwestern Conference play Belleville East hosted East St. Louis on their senior night.&nbsp; It was Belleville East who looked like they were going to run away with it, but they had to withstand a late run by the Flyers.&nbsp; They did manage to get the victory by a final of 60-54.&nbsp; Check out our thoughts in <strong>3 Takeaways: Belleville East vs East St. Louis</strong>!<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lancers Seniors Come Up Big on Senior Night</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On senior night it was fitting that the class of 2025 prospect stepped up to get Belleville East this win.  We have been waiting for [player_tooltip player_id='2105171' first='Savion' last='Mitchell'] to put it all together and boy did he ever do that on senior night.  The 6'6” bouncy four man has always had the potential, but it has been about turning it into production.  How about 21 points in this game for the senior to close out his career on his home floor.  He played with a high energy level, rim ran, sealed for scores, was quick to the offensive glass for four put backs, and threw down a lob slam!  Without a doubt the best we have seen him in his career.  [player_tooltip player_id='2724403' first='Xavien' last='Moody'] got things started as the two sport star is a 5'7” guard that is quick and shifty with the ball and loves the pull up game.  He had them flowing from both two and three notching 18 points in the win.  The competitiveness and tenaciousness of [player_tooltip player_id='2452426' first='Jalen' last='Dawson'] on both sides of the ball was huge in this one.  He made some big plays defensively and diving after loose balls.  Compact guard that can get downhill for scores in the paint and rebounds very well for a guard as he went for 10 points. The Lancers finish the regular season with a 21-9 record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Flyers Show Spirit in Comeback Attempt</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When East St. Louis got down by 20 midway through the third quarter with how their season has gone it would have been easy to pack it up, but they came back with a flurry of their own cutting it to 10 heading to the fourth while making several runs in the final quarter, but could never get over the hump.&nbsp; Senior combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='2427992' first='Montreal' last='Stacker'] is a fun player to watch.&nbsp; The southpaw can go get you a bucket with his slick handles and sweeping layups.&nbsp; Also got to the charity stripe for 17 points.&nbsp; Their other 2025 standout is [player_tooltip player_id='1766471' first='Arlandis' last='Brown'].&nbsp; Smooth scoring guard that scored in the mid-range, float game, and hit a three late for 12 points.&nbsp; Next year the go to guy will be [player_tooltip player_id='2323266' first='Alex' last='Johnson'].&nbsp; The 2026 shooting guard scores it with such ease on silky smooth slashes as he finds the crease in the defense for scores.&nbsp; Slick layups throughout the game especially in the second half leading him to 16 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Outlook for Playoffs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Belleville East will start their post season with a game against rival Belleville West on the Maroons home floor.&nbsp; Having to travel to your rival in the playoffs is never fun, but Belleville East did win both matchups during the regular season.&nbsp; If they can win that game it will be one of the favorites for the 4A crown Quincy a week from tonight in the regional final.&nbsp; East St. Louis will head to the Highland sectional in 3A where they will face Civic Memorial (20-10) in the regional semi.&nbsp; Despite their record at 13-18 their talent and tough schedule should prepare them for that game.&nbsp; If they win more than likely it would be host Highland for the regional title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->