HS boys’ basketball: Conference-leading Staunton dismantles Gillespie
Carlinville defeats Bunker Hill but loses Sawyer Smith for the year
By JACKSON WILSON
Enquirer Democrat Reporter
Boys’ basketball bragging rights in this year’s Route 4 rivalry belong to Staunton.
For the second time in as many games against their arch nemisis, the Bulldogs brought the hammer down on the Miners. After pummeling Gillespie, 70-27, at the Carlinville Holiday Tournament in late December, Staunton marched into “The Pit” and silenced the GHS faithful to remain perfect in South Central Conference action last week. The Bulldogs also participated in the State Farm Shootout at East Alton Wood River High School over the weekend and knocked off Marquette, 39-35.
Staunton, which stands alone at the top of the current SCC standings, is 22-4 overall and 5-0 in conference play with four South Central foes remaining on its schedule.
Gillespie is 5-18 on the year and 1-4 in the SCC.
Other action
Carlinville started last week with a 48-38 win over Bunker Hill at Blackburn College, but the victory came with a costly price. During the game, the Cavaliers lost their paint cornerstone Sawyer Smith for the season with a broken hand. After that, Carlinville dropped a pair of conference contests against Vandalia, 65-41, and North Mac, 52-39, before picking up a 46-33 non-league win at Lincolnwood. The Cavaliers are 11-14 overall and 0-5 in the SCC.
In addition to its win over Carlinville, North Mac started February on a high note with an upset of South County in Virden, 48-45. The Panthers improved to 8-16 on the season and 2-3 against the SCC.
Following its trip to Blackburn, Bunker Hill went on to lose against South County, 57-24, and Springfield Lutheran, 49-35. The Minutemen are 9-16 overall.
Southwestern elevated to 15-11 overall and 3-2 in SCC play with a dominant 75-36 win at East Alton Wood River and a 51-49 home overtime victory against Vandalia.
After ending the month of January with eight straight losses, Mt. Olive started February temporarily undefeated as the Wildcats defeated Faith Baptist, 58-44. The Cats were tamed against Litchfield and Edinburg, however, losing 68-37 and 67-22, respectively. Mt. Olive is 5-18 overall.
