Eastland falls 48-38 in state semifinal
Cougars lead until T. Dunlap injury late in 3rd quarter
BY SVN SPORTS STAFF
PEORIA – The Eastland Cougars went toe to toe with Class 1A's top-ranked team Friday afternoon, but fell to Salt Fork 48-38 in a state semifinal at Carver Arena.
Tony Dunlap Jr. led Eastland with 22 points, including 19 of his team's 21 in the first half, but he missed the final part of the game due to an injury to his left, non-shooting shoulder.
The Cougars led 34-29 when Dunlap took a spill near midcourt with 27 seconds left in the third quarter. Salt Fork scored the final four points of the period, then outscored Eastland 15-4 in the fourth quarter.
Dunlap Jr. played the first 5 minutes of the fourth quarter with his left arm dangling by his side, but he did not score. He was removed by his father, Eastland coach Tony Dunlap, with 2:54 remaining and the Cougars behind 44-35.
Stay tuned to saukvalley.com for more updates from Peoria.
