Eighth-graders make regional finals

The Jr. Vandal eighth-graders came from behind in the fourth quarter to take a 34-33 win from Hillsboro on Tuesday to advance to the regional championship game.

Third-seeded Vandalia trailed by two going to the fourth quarter, but outscored No. 2 Hillsboro, 7-4, in that period to secure the upset in the Class 3A regional at Greenville Junior High.

The Jr. Vandals take on top-seeded Roxana at 6 p.m. on Thursday. The winner will face Auburn at the Vandalia Sectional next Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Richie Well hit a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, and Alec Schroeder and Curtis Gordon each scored two points.

Those three combined for 27 points, with Gordon leading with 11.

Kain DuFaux, Preston Ruckman and Kelly Jones also scored for Vandalia.

The Jr. Vandals led 13-6 after the first quarter, but surrendered 19 second-quarter points to fall behind 25-22 at halftime.

In the regional quarterfinals on Monday, the Jr. Vandals defeated No. 6 East Alton, 46-37.

Gordon had 17 points to pace the offense, and Well was right behind with 15, as the Jr. Vandals used a strong second half to pick up the win.

East Alton led 25-12 at halftime, but Vandalia scored 34 points in the final two periods, while holding East Alton to just 12.

Well had a pair of 3-pointers in a 19-point third quarter for the team, and the Jr. Vandals made 5-of-11 free throws and five field goals down the stretch the secure the victory.

Tuesday, Jan. 29
Regional semifinals
Vandalia 34
Hillsboro 33
V: 13-9-5-7—34
H: 6-19-4-4—33
Points: Gordon, 11; Well, 9; Schroeder, 7; DuFaux, 4; Ruckman, 2; Jones, 1.

Monday, Jan. 28
Regional quarterfinals
Vandalia 46
East Alton 37
E: 12-13-9-3—37
V: 7-5-19-15—46
Points: Gordon, 17; Well, 15; Schroeder, 7; DuFaux, 4; Dylan Brooks, 2; Jones, 1.