The Alton vs. East St. Louis boys’ basketball rivalry always brings energy, but this year’s match up feels even bigger. With East St. Louis ranked No. 3 in Illinois and Alton No. 53, the highly anticipated showdown could be one of the season’s biggest games.
Currently, Alton’s record is 17-7. While they have had some ups and downs during the season, they’ve found ways to push through. East St. Louis holds a 21-3 record. They have had a successful season with very few losses and remain undefeated in the Southwestern Conference. They have three more conference games left, including Alton.
Jan. 6 was the first time Alton played East St. Louis, and Alton lost by three points. The game was loud, intense and packed with energy from both the crowd and the players. People and photographers who watched and recorded the game called it the “best game of the year.” Despite Alton’s loss, it was still a very competitive game.
Alton’s players and coaching staff are taking this game very seriously. They want to be the team that hands East St. Louis its first conference loss.
“This game means a lot to me personally because East St. Louis has always been a great team,” senior Semaj Stampley said. “Over the years people have treated me and our team as the underdogs. So going out on the court and proving people wrong is something I take personally.”
Beating East St. Louis will not be an easy task. They have some of the best players in the conference, including Jamison White, who averages 20.7 points per game, and Alex Johnson, who is averaging 17.0 points per game. Both players lead their team in scoring and don’t plan to slow down anytime soon. However, the task for East St. Louis to beat Alton again will not be easy either. Alton’s leading scorer, junior Ryan Howard, averages 18.2 points per game, while Stampley averages 13.3 points per game.
Howard has been a major part of Alton’s success this season. Not only has he contributed in scoring, but he also ranks second in rebounding behind Jamarion Green.
“In games like this one, teamwork and communication are key,” Howard said. “Playing together and staying focused will be the key to winning the basketball game.”
As the rivalry between Alton and East St. Louis continues, this game is more than just a basketball game. It is an opportunity for Alton to show that they belong in these big moments. With both teams bringing talent, intensity and high energy, fans can expect another exciting match up.
“As we say in our program, we never play the opponent we are playing the game. I also understand it is not just another game, the stakes are higher and the game means a lot to the people in our school and community. However we still have to be the hardest playing, toughest, most together team to win the game no matter who we are playing,” Head Varsity Basketball Coach, Dylan Dudley, said.
“As we say in our program, we never play the opponent — we play the game,” Dudley said. “I understand it is not just another game. The stakes are higher, and the game means a lot to the people in our school and community.”
Whether it ends in a blowout or a close game, one thing is certain: when Alton plays East St. Louis, it’s never just a game. It’s an opportunity to prove a point.
