South Beloit upended by Eastland 50-35 in the sectional semi-final

The South Beloit SOBOs traveled to River Ridge to take on Eastland. The Cougars were the #1 seed in the 1A IHSA River Ridge sectional. South Beloit came up short on the scoreboard but gave an effort worthy of a better outcome. However, when you compete, sometimes the scoreboard doesn’t agree.

The game began like most heavyweight battles do. Each competitor feels the other out and gets a couple of good shots in putting their opponent on their heels.

At the end of the 1st quarter, South Beloit was able to grab the lead 9-6. In the second quarter both teams struggled against the physical defense. At half time the score was where the game started: tied, at 21. In the 3rd quarter, Eastland was able to get South Beloit to commit a few too many turnovers and limit them to "1 and done" on the offensive end of the court. Going into the 4^th quarter, Eastland led 34-27. As the 4th quarter wore on, you could feel that Eastland was gaining control of the contest. The Cougars took control and were able to make South Beloit foul. Once Eastland went to the line, they took the free points and kept extending the lead, finally winning 50-35.

As they left the floor, the South Beloit parents, family members and fans gave an ovation for what was a monumental season,  25 wins,  a regional title and huge wins, and the knowledge of knowing that grit, hard work and teamwork pays off.

Thanks goes out to the IHSA, South Beloit AD Sam Cady, Coach Matt Stucky, Coach Mike Miller, Kenton Brandt, Ross Robertson, Coltan Porter, Desmond Hampton, Mason Beavers, Darius Hampton, D’Anthony Campbell, TreyMon Payton-Ruff, Trudane Peterson, Richard Carlson, Landon Reed, and Syncere Fane.