***Updated at 1:50 p.m. Feb. 16 with results from other games and potential future opponents***
The Collinsville Middle School Boys basketball team defeated Mt. Carmel 44-41 Saturday morning to advance to the final four of the Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association.
The Trail Blazers return to Rend Lake Community College for a 6 p.m. contest Tuesday against Benton in game one of the final four. Benton defeated DuQuoin 38-34 Saturday to advance to play CMS in the SIJHSAA large school bracket.
The winner will play in the championship game at 7:30 p.m. Thursday against the winner of the Centralia versus Marion game. The loser will play for third place at 6 p.m. Thursday against the loser of the Centralia verus Marion matchup. All games will be played at Rend Lack Community College in Ina, Ill.
Marion plays Centralia Tuesday after the Collinsville game.
Team members include 7th graders Bryson Baker and Logan Whitehead and 8th graders, Nathan Janson, Mickey Ross, Hunter Counton, Nathan Hawkins, Kamondre Carter, Jalani Brown, Jacob Hall, Braeden Lemp, Frankie Perez, Justin Goliday, Austin Gavlick and David Torres
The team is coached by Dennis Neese and assisted by Tom King.
