Sangamo Shootout delivers as a Saturday spectacle of boys' basketball

MAROA, Ill. (WAND) - More than eight-hours of high school boys' basketball pleased fans from across central Illinois as the Sangamo Shootout featured teams from the conference and beyond.

New Berlin entered the event with 17 wins, hoping to add another against Paxton-Buckley-Loda. A close contest through much of the game made for an exciting first tilt of the afternoon. Carson Dodd, a junior guard for the Pretzels, earned player of the game as he helped New Berlin secure the victory 48-40 over PBL.

Despite being under .500 for the season, Auburn and Argenta-Oreana still have plenty to play for as the regular season begins drawing to a close. Aggressiveness in the paint helped the Trojans past the Bombers 62-54.

The middle match saw Deer Creek-Mackinaw meet with Charleston. The Chiefs appear to be peaking at the right time - right before the postseason. A 70-40 victory for Dee-Mack lifts them to 3-0 in games this past week.

Hosts in Maroa-Forysth went head-to-head with Sangamo conference foe Pleasant Plains. Behind a 27-point effort from Caebrin Lee, the Trojans kept their home fans happy with a 63-49 victory over the Cardinals.

Two programs from the Springfield area took the floor next, Williamsville and Rochester. The Bullets held the edge at halftime, working themselves to a 15-point advantage. However, the Rockets battled their way back, led by Khordell Gregory with 22-points. Rochester found a way to win, getting their 14th of the year, 64-48.

The final matchup showcased Athens and Pawnee, a pair of teams both around even in wins and losses. The Warriors held a slight lead over Pawnee at the half, but made the most of a second half surge to continue to stretch their lead. Eventually, Athens held off their opponent 57-37.