Full Breakdown
Leo Lions Fall to East St. Louis in Class 3A Semifinals
3/14/2026, 10:50:12 PM
Game Overview: East St. Louis Dominates in Second Half
In the Class 3A semifinals at State Farm Center, the Leo Lions faced a challenging match against the heavily favored East St. Louis Flyers, ultimately losing 59-40. The Lions, who concluded their season with a record of 27-7, managed to keep the game competitive for three quarters before the Flyers pulled away in the fourth. East St. Louis, now 32-4, will advance to the state championship game against Deerfield.
Key Performers and Team Dynamics
Leo's junior Brian Kizer led the team with 11 points, while freshman Elon Henderson contributed significantly off the bench with eight points and four rebounds in just 13 minutes. Coach Jimalle Ridley praised Henderson's maturity, stating, “His grade level is freshman, but I think his mentality is nothing like a freshman.” The Lions started five juniors and included two freshmen in their rotation, indicating a promising future for the team.
East St. Louis was propelled by senior Alex Johnson, who scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and junior Philip Jones, who added 17 points. Despite a quieter performance from 6-8 forward Jamison White, a Penn State recruit, the Flyers showcased their depth and defensive prowess, outscoring Leo 45-20 in the second half.
Game Dynamics and Strategies
The first half saw a competitive back-and-forth, with Leo managing to tie the game at 12-12 in the first quarter. However, adjustments made by East St. Louis at halftime, particularly a shift to a half-court trap defense, disrupted Leo's rhythm. Coach Mark Chambers noted, “We made some adjustments at the half, and defensively is where we turned the game around.” This strategy forced the Lions into contested shots and turnovers, allowing the Flyers to dominate the boards, with White and Johnson combining for 25 rebounds.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Jimalle Ridley expressed disappointment in the outcome but acknowledged the effort and character of his team: “Obviously it wasn’t the outcome we planned for... The energy and effort they put into this is unbelievable.” Kizer echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’m very grateful for this moment right here. It didn’t turn out the way we wanted to, but it feels great to be down here.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite their strong performance, Leo's inability to maintain momentum in the fourth quarter raised concerns about their depth and stamina. Ridley admitted, “We got fatigued... our depth is not our greatest asset.” This lack of depth was evident as the Flyers capitalized on their defensive adjustments.
What's Next: East St. Louis Prepares for Championship
East St. Louis will face Deerfield in the state championship game, where they will need to improve their free-throw shooting, having converted only 15 of 26 attempts against Leo. White emphasized the team's focus, stating, “The job's not done yet,” as they prepare to compete for the title.
In summary, while Leo's season ended in disappointment, the experience gained by their young roster, particularly players like Henderson, sets a foundation for future success.