Two of the top teams in Region IV got together for a big early season showdown in Rockford. The Golden Eagles were looking to get back on track at home, and the Chiefs were looking to stay undefeated.
Last season the Chiefs lost a tight game to the eventual division II national champion South Suburban Bulldogs. The Golden Eagles took 3rd place in the division III national tournament.
The Golden Eagles got off to an early first half lead thanks to Jefferson graduate George Williams (15 points, 5/10 from 3, 7 assists), and Blessing Nwotite (23 points, 10 rebounds). However the Chiefs stormed their way back, and Larkin graduate Fernando Perez (6 points off the bench) put the Chiefs ahead at the end of the half.
After Waubonsee extended the lead to 10 early in the second half, Rock Valley (2-3) clawed their way back. George Williams' fifth 3 put the Golden Eagles ahead 66-64.
The Chiefs weren't having it.
Trailing 72-70, Brice Langford got the ball and dropped a two-handed dunk and nearly brought the basket down with him. Moments later Joey Niesman got a steal and a bucket to put the Chiefs ahead for good.
After an up-and-down first half, J. Caleb Slawinski dominated in the paint in the second half. He finished with 22 points and 11/18 from the field (9/11 2nd half), and at one point hit 6 straight buckets.
Joey Niesman was instrumental as he finished with 21 points (2/5 from 3), 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. He will likely get some Division II/NAIA looks when his Chiefs career is over.
Jaylyn Kelley had 15 points including 3/7 from 3. He hit the final two free throws to ice the 94-86 victory for the Chiefs (4-0).
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