The East Peoria boys basketball team hounded Pekin Jan. 19.
The Raiders dealt the Dragons a 37-25 Mid-Illini Conference loss after stifling the home team to sub-25 percent shooting.
During its current three-game M-I winning streak, East Peoria (8-9, 4-3) has allowed just 33.3 points per game.
“We did play pretty good defense,” EPCHS head coach Ron Kelch said. “They worked hard at that end of the floor.”
Pekin mustered only 10 field goals at Dawson Hawkins Gymnasium, the same number produced by Metamora on its home court in a Jan. 8 contest.
Raider Dylan Sparkman was the game’s scoring leader with 11 points.
“Dylan had three tip-ins that were just huge,” said Kelch. “That gave us a lot of momentum.”
Sparkman’s trio of tip-ins helped the visitors reestablish control after the Dragons tied it in the fourth quarter.
Joe Kelch also was in double figures with 10 points and East Peoria teammate Alex Cline had nine to go along with 12 rebounds.
Robbie Rogers made two key baskets on offensive boards, and Cole Nieukirk’s defense remained stingy for the Raiders.
Tom Lohmann guided the Dragons with 10 points.
Pekin’s top players, Aaron King and Kain Hoeniges, combined for a mere six points.
With trips to Canton, Limestone and Morton upcoming, East Peoria is aware it has a challenging finish to its four-game road swing.
“Our next three games are really tough,” Kelch said.
Pekin, Ill. —
