MASCOUTAH — Breese Central avenged last year’s Mascoutah Holiday Tournament championship loss to Alton with a 49-37 victory in a rematch Saturday.
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Breese Central took an early 14-8 lead after the first quarter and maintained control throughout the game. At halftime, Breese Central led 24-13. Aryanna Anthony scored two quick baskets late in the second quarter to help Alton close the gap.
Breese Central’s momentum continued in the third quarter with a 10-1 run. Alton’s Justice Haynes responded with a basket at the buzzer and a free throw, cutting the deficit to 34-22 entering the final quarter.
Alton coach Deiondre Riney said his team faced adversity but continued to compete. “We preach overcoming adversity, and obviously, everything won’t go your way, and it’s how you respond to it. There was a point when we were down 21 points, and we could have given up, but the girls rallied and competed. They cut the lead to six from then on; we had to play perfectly."
The final quarter saw both teams score 15 points, with Alton keeping the game close despite foul trouble.
Four Alton players fouled out during the game, a challenge Riney acknowledged. “We had four girls fouled out. We tried to come out and compete and really play,” he said.
Alton was led by Ja’Kayla Steen, who scored 10 points, and Justice Haynes, with eight points.
Breese Central’s top performers were Taylor Trame with 22 points and Lexy Santel with 13 points.
Alton will face the winner of Nashville and Breese Mater Dei in the third-place game Sunday.
