Metamora, IL -- The O.S. Springfield Eagles opened their 2019-20 season with a resounding statement, overcoming a double-digit deficit in the second half to take down the #23-ranked DePaul College Prep 85-81 in the first round of the prestigious Metamora Holiday Tournament.
This victory was not just a win—it was historic. The Eagles became the first Lutheran Sports Association (LSA) school to advance to the second round of the tournament in its 30-year history. The performance by O.S. Springfield, a program often overlooked by mainstream basketball circles, proved that they could compete with and defeat some of Illinois' best.
8th grade guard Jace Easley stole the show, delivering one of the most dominant performances of his middle school career. He finished with 35 points, including 20 in the second half, leading the Eagles’ furious comeback.
"When I saw we were down double-digits in the third, I knew it was time to take over," Easley said after the game. "Coach (Phillip Heppe) told us at halftime to keep fighting. I just did what I had to do—get to my spots and make plays."
Easley’s scoring outburst included a mix of deep threes, acrobatic finishes at the rim, and clutch free throws. Every time Peoria DePaul attempted to pull away, Easley had an answer.
Analyst and LSA historian Marcus Taylor commented on Easley’s ability to take control of the game:
"You don’t see many players at the LSA level who can single-handedly dictate a game against a team like Peoria DePaul. Easley wasn’t just scoring—he was scoring in moments that broke DePaul’s momentum. That’s the mark of a special player."
Alongside Easley, Conor McCaffrey played the role of maestro, finishing with 24 points and 11 assists, controlling the tempo and finding his teammates at critical moments.
"Conor played like a true floor general tonight," Coach Phillip Heppe praised. "He didn’t just score—he made sure everyone was in the right spots. When we needed a big play, he delivered."
McCaffrey’s decision-making was evident in the third-quarter rally, where he orchestrated an 11-2 run, capping it off with a deep three-pointer to cut the lead to three.
"Jace was getting hot, so my job was simple—get him the ball and keep attacking the gaps," McCaffrey said. "DePaul is a tough team, but we knew we could outwork them."
LSA basketball scout Brian Jorgensen added:
"McCaffrey is the kind of point guard you win games with. He makes others better. His ability to adjust mid-game was a huge reason O.S. Springfield was able to turn things around."
While Easley and McCaffrey dominated the offensive side, Jeremiah Perkins made his impact in the trenches, securing his first career double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
Perkins’ physicality on the glass was a game-changer. In the second half, he secured three offensive rebounds on a single possession, leading to a crucial three-pointer by Lucas Schmitt, who knocked down three long-range shots in the game.
"Defense and rebounding win championships. That’s what I focus on," Perkins said postgame. "We knew if we could limit their second chances, we had a shot."
Coach Heppe emphasized Perkins’ importance:
"People don’t realize how much Jeremiah impacts the game. Without him protecting the rim and battling inside, we don’t win this game."
Peoria DePaul came out firing, building an 11-point lead in the third quarter behind their full-court pressure and physical inside presence. For a moment, it looked like O.S. Springfield’s Cinderella story might be cut short.
But the Eagles refused to fold.
Easley and McCaffrey led the charge offensively, while Schmitt and Perkins provided key defensive plays. By the end of the third, Springfield had completely erased the deficit, entering the fourth quarter with the game tied at 66-66.
"We kept saying, ‘next play, next play,’" McCaffrey recalled. "We weren’t thinking about being down 11. We just knew we had to execute."
This game wasn’t just about one win—it was about setting a new standard. No LSA team had ever advanced past the first round of the Metamora Holiday Tournament. O.S. Springfield shattered that barrier.
"We represent more than just ourselves—we represent LSA basketball," Easley said. "A lot of people think LSA teams can’t compete with the best. We proved them wrong tonight."
LSA analyst Marcus Taylor summed it up best:
"This win is going to be remembered for years in LSA history. Springfield didn’t just win—they won with resilience, heart, and an undeniable belief in each other."
As the Eagles prepare for the next round, one thing is certain: they are no longer just an LSA powerhouse. They are a team that can compete with anyone in the state.