Sophomore center Jeremiah Tilmon is playing with a high level of confidence entering the post-season at East St. Louis.
Tilmon, who is averaged 11.1 ppg and 7 rebounds during the Southwestern Conference season, will lead the No. 1 seed Flyers in the Belleville West regional.
In addition, Tilmon has played with a new sense of purpose the last month of the season, having lead the flyers to an overall record of 19-6. In addition, the Flyers finished with an perfect 14-0 in the powerful Southwestern Conference.
Heading into the regional at Belleville West, East St. Louis will be the favorite. But the O’Fallon Panthers will be led by the all-time leading scorer in Panther history, Donovan Franklin. Franklin played his AAU career with the prestigious St. Louis Eagles.
In addition, to Tilmon, the Flyers have balance among their starters. Senior forward Tyrone Riley (10.4 ppg), and junior Antonio Johnson, along with Tilmon, form one of the most imposing front courts in the Metro East.
Junior guard Karon Randolph (6’3) and the dazzling point guard Marquis Chairs (5’10) round out the starting five for East Side.
Randolph is an elite safety/wide receiver for the Flyers football team who has already had numerous football offers, including Florida State.
Senior guard Antony Johnson averages 8.4 ppg off the bench with a team-leading 39 3-pointers.
The Flyers can go deep into their bench with Juniors Patrick Baxter and Kenny Roberson, and seniors Travion Crozier, Javon Weathers and Tyshaun Stainback.
If the Flyers prevail this week in the Belleville West regional, they could possibly looking at a round 3 dog fight with conference rival Alton Redbirds.
Valley tourney today
The Missouri Valley Conference tourney starts today at the Scott Trade Center. The Valley tourney is one of the premier tournaments in the country. I’m looking forward to covering longtime friends Barry Hinson and Anthony Beane of S.I.U.
