East Peoria had a chance to knock off Limestone Friday.
But the Rockets pulled away from the Raiders in the fourth quarter to sweep the Mid-Illini Conference series between the schools with a 52-43 win.
Limestone, clinging to a 38-37 edge after three periods, separated itself at Vern Woosley Gymnasium with a 14-6 margin over the final eight minutes.
East Peoria (6-14, 1-8) lost for the fifth straight time. Three of those defeats have been by single digits.
“For us to get back on track, we have to play with a little more confidence,” EPCHS head coach Pete McGinnes said.
He stated that starts with practicing with more game intensity.
Kelsey Shoemake, in double figures for the 12th time in the last 13 games, led the Raiders with 15 points.
Nicki Alwan had seven points for the visitors, while Emilee Brown and Carrie Myers added six apiece.
Foul shooting again was an Achilles heel for East Peoria, which was just 7-of-16 at the line.
Seven of the misses came in a first half in which the Raiders were ahead 27-25 at the break.
Felicia Johnson scored a game-high 18 points for the Rockets.
In the long high school basketball season, January can be a tough month to keep intensity high.
“We have to find the mental toughness at this point,” said McGinnes, adding their still is a lot for which to play.
East Peoria missed too many up close or open shots against the Mid-Illini’s second-place team.
It also needs to cut down on turnovers.
Raider junior Erica Harper suffered a knee strain in practice Jan. 19, causing her to miss the Limestone game. McGinnes said he hopes to have her back Saturday.
Bartonville, Ill. —
