High School Sports

Belleville East’s bench steps up in big win against Althoff in boys basketball action

By Ahmad Lathan

Belleville East’s boys basketball team leaned on their press defense Tuesday night to pull away for a win against visiting Althoff.

As their starters got into foul trouble, the Lancers’ bench added value towards both sides of the ball in a 78-50 non-conference victory. The Lancers improved to 10-0.

“Alex (Jackson) gave us great minutes tonight with rebounding. Him and Jackson Muse were the difference makers coming off the bench giving us good energy,” Lancers coach Jeff Creek said.

Senior guard Mason Mosley led the Lancers with seven of his 16 points coming in the third quarter. Mosley said he felt the team didn’t play up to their standard early in the game, but the bench handled a key role.

“We were just playing down to their level and we had to step up,” Mosely said. “Then, having the guys coming off the bench — Jackson and Alex — they played a big part.”

Althoff fell to 5-6 with its third lose in the last four games. Crusaders coach Greg Leib said his squad let the game get out of control with mistakes against a loaded Lancers team.

“East got too many easy buckets and they’re just a load,” Leib said. “I thought their big guy (No. 15) showed up, he was a big, physical presence and that changed the game for them.”

The Crusaders went on a 14-2 run through the first six minutes of the first quarter led by junior Taylor Powell and senior Lucious Dones with five points each. Jackson helped the Lancers off the bench with four points in the paint that led to an 8-0 run to end the quarter.

After Belleville East tied the game at 19, Powell finished an and-one play for a 22-19 margin. Mosley hit a 3-ball from the corner and then posted a fast break layup to get the Lancers’ their first lead at 26-24.

Althoff’s top scorers got into foul trouble early in the third quarter and, combined with turnovers, that turned the game. The Lancers outscored the Crusaders 22-11 with five points from star guard Jordan Pickett and Mosley.

Muse extended the lead to 21 points with his quick buckets in the fourth quarter. Belleville East put the game to rest after that.

Next up

Belleville East hosts Granite City at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, before opening action at the 38th annual Prairie Farms Collinsville Holiday Classic at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, against McCluer North.

Althoff, meanwhile, is idle until taking on Rockford East at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at the Collinsville tournament.

Althoff’s Patton Leib battles Belleville East’s Antwine Wilson for the ball during Tuesday’s non-conference match-up. The Lancers ultimately posted a 78-50 victory.
Althoff’s Patton Leib battles Belleville East’s Antwine Wilson for the ball during Tuesday’s non-conference match-up. The Lancers ultimately posted a 78-50 victory. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
Belleville East’s Jackson Muse moves the ball during Tuesday’s non-conference game against Althoff. The Lancers ultimately posted a 78-50 victory.
Belleville East’s Jackson Muse moves the ball during Tuesday’s non-conference game against Althoff. The Lancers ultimately posted a 78-50 victory. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
Althoff’s Jordan Lewis shoots the ball during Tuesday’s non-conference game against Belleville East. The Crusaders ultimately dropped a 78-50 outcome.
Althoff’s Jordan Lewis shoots the ball during Tuesday’s non-conference game against Belleville East. The Crusaders ultimately dropped a 78-50 outcome. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
Althoff’s Taylor Powell shoots over Belleville East’s Tallis Lowery during Tuesday’s non-conference game. The Crusaders ultimately dropped a 78-50 decision to the Lancers.
Althoff’s Taylor Powell shoots over Belleville East’s Tallis Lowery during Tuesday’s non-conference game. The Crusaders ultimately dropped a 78-50 decision to the Lancers. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
Althoff’s Taylor Powell goes to the basket during Tuesday’s non-conference game against Belleville East. The Lancers ultimately posted a 78-50 victory.
Althoff’s Taylor Powell goes to the basket during Tuesday’s non-conference game against Belleville East. The Lancers ultimately posted a 78-50 victory. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
Belleville East Mason Mosley goes up for a layup during Tuesday non-conference game against Althoff. The Lancers ultimately posted a 78-50 victory.
Belleville East Mason Mosley goes up for a layup during Tuesday non-conference game against Althoff. The Lancers ultimately posted a 78-50 victory. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
Althoff’s Jordan Lewis attempts a shot during Tuesday’s non-conference game against Belleville East. The Crusaders ultimately fell to the Lancers 78-50.
Althoff’s Jordan Lewis attempts a shot during Tuesday’s non-conference game against Belleville East. The Crusaders ultimately fell to the Lancers 78-50. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
Belleville East’s Jackson Muse shoots over Althoff’s Patton Leib during Tuesday’s non-conference game. The Lancers ultimately posted a 78-50 victory.
Belleville East’s Jackson Muse shoots over Althoff’s Patton Leib during Tuesday’s non-conference game. The Lancers ultimately posted a 78-50 victory. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
Belleville East’s Jordan Pickett drive the baseline during Tuesday’s non-conference game against Althoff. The Lancers ultimately posted a 78-50 victory.
Belleville East’s Jordan Pickett drive the baseline during Tuesday’s non-conference game against Althoff. The Lancers ultimately posted a 78-50 victory. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
Belleville East fans show their spirit during Tuesday’s non-conference game against Althoff. The Lancers faithful was rewarded with a 78-50 victory against the Crusaders.
Belleville East fans show their spirit during Tuesday’s non-conference game against Althoff. The Lancers faithful was rewarded with a 78-50 victory against the Crusaders. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat

This story was originally published December 21, 2022 at 9:15 AM.

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