BLOOMINGTON, IL -- In an intense battle between two of the state’s top 25-ranked teams, #19 O.S. Springfield emerged victorious in dramatic fashion, defeating #24 Griggsville-Perry 63-61 at the Illinois Wesleyan Shootout. The game was decided by a clutch last-second jumper from Jace Easley, who iced the game with a pull-up 16-footer over Michael Myers as time expired.
The win improves O.S. Springfield to 17-5 (6-3 conference) and gives the Eagles a hard-fought victory over an unbeaten 19-5 (8-0) Griggsville-Perry team that had been surging this season.
With the game knotted at 61-61 in the final moments, Coach Phillip Heppe put the ball in the hands of his star guard Jace Easley—and he delivered in style.
-- The play unfolded perfectly: Conor McCaffrey set a pin-down screen, freeing up Easley on the left wing.
-- Logan Allen inbounded the ball, feeding Easley, who found himself isolated against Michael Myers—a defensive battle that has become one of the fiercest LSA rivalries over the last four seasons.
-- Easley made his move, taking Myers off the dribble, elevating for a pull-up jumper from 16 feet and drilling the shot with just 0.2 seconds remaining.
-- The Griggsville-Perry bench watched in silence as the ball dropped through the net, sealing the victory for O.S.
"We got him the ball right where we wanted it to be," said Coach Heppe after the game. "We kept Conor on top of the key for a drive in case they sent a double. If Easley gets a head of steam towards you, it's going to be trouble, and it was."
While Easley took the spotlight with the game-winner, Conor McCaffrey’s all-around impact was equally crucial in securing the win.
-- McCaffrey contributed 18 points and 10 assists, orchestrating the offense with precision and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
-- Defensively, he took on the tough assignment of guarding Wyatt Lipcamen, limiting his effectiveness and forcing him into difficult shots.
-- Logan Allen handled Lane Lipcamen, using his size and defensive presence to disrupt Griggsville-Perry’s offensive flow.
"Coming into the game, we thought putting size against Lane was the better option, and it worked out," Allen said postgame.
For four seasons, Easley and Michael Myers have been locked in battles that have showcased some of the best individual matchups in LSA basketball.
-- Both players are elite scorers and defensive anchors, making every game between O.S.
Springfield and Griggsville-Perry a must-watch showdown.
-- This game was no different, as Easley and Myers went head-to-head all night, with Easley ultimately delivering the knockout blow.
With both teams vying for deep postseason runs, there’s a good chance they’ll meet again on an even bigger stage.
With the victory, O.S. Springfield advances in the Illinois Wesleyan Shootout and will face its next challenge in the Gold Bracket’s second round.
For Griggsville-Perry, the loss snaps an eight-game winning streak, but they remain a top contender in their conference and will look to bounce back quickly.
-- Jace Easley continues to thrive in clutch situations, proving why he’s one of the LSA’s most dangerous scorers in crunch time.
-- Conor McCaffrey’s leadership, defense, and playmaking were instrumental in securing the victory.
-- Logan Allen’s defensive versatility provided a key advantage against a physical Griggsville-Perry team.
-- This rivalry remains one of the best in Illinois middle school basketball, and this game only adds to its legacy.
With the postseason approaching, O.S. Springfield looks more battle-tested than ever—and if Easley and McCaffrey continue to play at this level, the Eagles are primed for a deep run.