June 1st, 2019 By Mark Peters, Chicago Sun Times Columnist
SPRINGFIELD — In their first official outing of the 2019 summer league slate, the Our Savior’s Lutheran Eagles looked every bit like a team determined to write a new chapter in program history.
Behind an electric 37-point performance from rising 8th grade floor general Conor McCaffrey, the Eagles stormed past a physical Peoria DePaul squad, 74–56, on Saturday afternoon. The game, played at a neutral site as part of an early summer showcase, marked the first time the newly assembled version of O.S. Springfield took the floor without star scorer Jace Easley, who is spending the offseason focusing on baseball.
And yet, if Saturday’s performance was any indication, this team has more than enough firepower to keep the engine running.
“We wanted to come out and set a tone,” McCaffrey said. “We know the expectations, and we know the standard that’s been set. Today was about doing the little things right, talking on defense, rebounding, and pushing the ball.”
McCaffrey finished with 37 points on 12-of-21 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, and 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals — a complete stat line that captured his rising stock as one of the state’s best true point guards. But the beauty of Saturday’s victory was in the balance of contributions, especially from role players.
Logan Allen and Lucas Schmitt each chipped in 9 points, with Allen’s intensity on both ends of the floor drawing praise from the coaching staff. Allen also added 3 assists and 3 steals, while Schmitt continued to impress with his midrange touch and calm under pressure.
Jeremiah Perkins, the Eagles' 6-foot-4 center, anchored the defense and dominated the boards with 10 rebounds, adding 11 points and 3 blocks. He showed an expanded post game and worked effectively out of double teams. “J.P. cleaned everything up,” assistant coach Bryce Thompson said. “He controlled the paint and gave us second-chance opportunities. That's the kind of presence that wins games in March.”
Meanwhile, Ian Klockenga may not have lit up the scoreboard with just 3 points, but he was +29 in the +/- column — a staggering figure that reflected his impact on the glass, rotations, and help defense. The 6th man’s quiet effort drew loud praise from Heppe postgame. “He’s the kind of kid every coach loves,” Heppe said. “Doesn’t need the ball, doesn’t ask for the spotlight. But you win with kids like Ian.”
Peoria DePaul struggled to match O.S. Springfield’s tempo. DePaul turned the ball over 9 times, failed to get to the free throw line even once, and were crushed on the glass, losing the rebounding battle 34 to 21.
Perhaps the most telling stat of the day: Our Savior’s shot 27-of-54 (50%) from the field and an impressive 14-of-15 at the free throw line, showing a level of polish and discipline uncommon for early summer play.
Coach’s Insight
Head Coach Phillip Heppe, entering what many see as a make-or-break season for the program, was pleased with his team’s composure and defensive energy.
“You don’t always know what you’re going to get in a summer opener,” Heppe said. “We’ve had guys missing time, adjusting to new roles, and frankly, this is a young group. But today showed me we’ve got a lot of guys who can compete. Conor was tremendous. Jeremiah was active. Logan and Lucas played smart. It was a total team win.”
Heppe also emphasized that Easley’s absence wasn’t a concern and that his summer focus on baseball has been a shared decision since spring. “Jace is doing what’s best for his development,” Heppe noted. “He’s still our leader, and he’ll be ready in the fall.”
Box Score Highlights:
Conor McCaffrey – 37 pts, 9 reb, 6 ast, 4 stl (12-21 FG, 4-7 3PT, 9-9 FT)
Jeremiah Perkins – 11 pts, 10 reb, 3 blk
Lucas Schmitt – 9 pts, 3 reb
Logan Allen – 9 pts, 3 ast, 3 stl
Team FT Shooting – 14-15
Team Rebounds – 34
Turnovers – 12