HS boys’ basketball: Staunton defeats Pawnee and Vandalia

Ethan Sharp scores a layup for the Staunton High School boys’ basketball team at Vandalia. The Bulldogs defeated the Vandals, 49-43, and improved to 8-2 on the season while remaining unbeaten in South Central Conference play. Photo contributed by Abby Dillon.

By JACKSON WILSON
Enquirer Democrat Reporter

The Staunton High School boys’ basketball team, the top overall seed in the upcoming Carlinville Holiday Tournament, backed that coaches’ selection further and added two more wins to its impressive 2024 record last week.

With victories over Pawnee and Vandalia, the Bulldogs are 8-2 in their first ten games.

Staunton was clicking on both sides of the floor in its home win against Pawnee Dec. 17. The Bulldogs set the tone with a 12-4 run in each of the first two quarters and destroyed the Indians, 54-20.

On Dec. 20, Staunton improved to 2-0 in the South Central Conference with its win at Vandalia. The Vandals wouldn’t let the game get away from them but the Bulldogs prevailed, 49-43, after leading 22-20 at halftime and 32-25 heading into the fourth quarter.

Staunton opens the Holiday Tournament against arch-rival Gillespie Thurs., Dec. 26. Game time is 4:30 p.m.