East St. Louis defeated Waterloo 52-39 in the Class 3A regional semifinal, with freshman Toni Powe making a crucial 3-point shot late in the third period despite initial opposition from the coach. East St. Louis will now face Mount Vernon in the regional championship on Friday.

By the Numbers
  • East St. Louis record: 12-18
  • Waterloo record: 13-18
State of Play
  • East St. Louis will face Mount Vernon in the regional championship
  • East St. Louis had lost 13 of its first 19 games before hitting its stride
  • East St. Louis has won three games in a row and carries momentum into the title game
Bottom Line

East St. Louis secured a 52-39 win over Waterloo in the Class 3A regional semifinal, advancing to the championship game against Mount Vernon. Despite initial hesitation from the coach, freshman Toni Powe made a crucial 3-point shot, showcasing the team's resilience and determination.