Troy 8th Grade Boys Basketball Team 4th In State

Photo: The Troy Middle School 8th Grade Boys Basketball Team took 4th place at State competition.

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The Troy 8th Grade Boys Basketball Team took 4th Place at the 4A State Tournament in February, finishing their season with an impressive 23-6 record overall.

“The basketball season was a great success and hopefully it's a start of a tradition for Troy Boys' Basketball,” Coach Clint Reames said. “We made history being the first 8th grade boys' basketball team to make it to state and bringing home a trophy. I am super proud of all the players and all of their hard work and effort. I could not be more proud to coach these young men and look forward to seeing them continue their success in high school.”

The team made it to State by beating Lemont’s Old Quarry Middle School 39-38. In the State Semifinal game, East St. Louis Lincoln defeated the Troy Trojans 54-46, and the team played Champaign Edison in its final game at State.

“Seeing the 8th grade Boys Basketball Team at State was very impressive,” Troy Athletic Director Meagan DeGroot said. “Basketball is a very competitive sport to qualify for state. The boys battled hard to get to the 4th place and I couldn't be more happy at how hard they played and the teamwork they used to get to where they are."

Team members are Jimmy Anderson (G), Richard Gavins (F), Troy Hudak (G), Cael Karczewski (G), Drew King (C), Kyle Koerner (G), Adriel Lestz (F), Breyon Luckett (G), Justus McNair (G), James Pilapil (G), Michael Smith (G), Jax Todd (F), Drew Wills (F) and Owen Young (G).

Coaches are Clint Reames and Tyler Barker.