Eighth-graders win regional
Markus Isaiah and Drew Thompson combined for 24 points and made crucial free throws late as the Vandalia Junior High School eighth-grade boys basketball team defeated Greenville for the Vandalia Regional title on Tuesday night.
The Vandals led 12-10 after the first quarter, 19-14 at the half and 26-17 after three quarters, then fought off a late push by the Jays to advance to sectional play.
Vandalia will play the winner of the Gillespie-North Mac regional contest at 6:30 p.m. next Wednesday at Auburn Junior High School in Divernon.
Isaiah scored eight points and Thompson five through three quarters, then came through big as Greenville threatened.
Isaiah connected on five of six free throws in the fourth quarter, and Thompson hit a key three-pointer and three of four free throws as the Vandals hung on for the regional title win.
Vandalia – Casey 0 2-2 – 2, Tarkington 3 1-1 – 7, Goldsmith 2 0-2 – 4, Thompson 3 3-4 – 11, Isaiah 4 5-6 – 13, Stewart 1 0-2 – 2. Totals 13 11-15 – 39.
Three-point goals – Thompson 2.