LANSING, Ill. (February 23, 2022) – The TF South Boys Basketball team’s season ended Wednesday night with a loss to Oak Lawn Community High School in the regional semi-final game.
In a tight game all the way through, Oak Lawn pulled ahead in the final minutes to secure a 59-50 victory. The loss put TF South at a 14-14 overall season record and and 7-6 conference record.
The points for TF South were spread quite evenly among the starting players, with junior guard Romello Ali scoring 12. Senior Xavier Lewis followed closely with 10.
The home court advantage went to Oak Lawn during the game, whose crowd roared during some of the crucial moments that favored the Spartans. Oak Lawn was seeded sixth heading into the tournament while TFS was seeded ninth. TF South lost to Oak Lawn earlier in the season in a close game.
Photos from the game are included below:
TF South matched up against Oak Lawn High School during Wednesday night’s regional semi-final game. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
TFS senior Vincent Payne glides to the hoop. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
Sam Townsend splits two Oak Lawn defenders. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
Junior Marqell Wilson weaves around the defense towards the rim. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
Xavier Lewis dunks the ball on Wednesday night. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
Romello Ali locks down on defense during Wednesday night’s regional semi-final game against Oak Lawn. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
From left: Xavier Lewis, Vincent Payne, and Sam Townsend await the referee’s signal. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
Xavier Lewis watches his free throw shot find the bottom of the net. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
TF South Boys Basketball coach Todd Gillespie addresses his players during a break in the game. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
Senior Vincent Payne launches a shot from long range.
Sophomore Sam Townsend hoists up a lay-up near the basket. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
Senior Lyonel Hodges exits the game in the third quarter. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
TF South gathers for a timeout during the semi-final regional game at Oak Lawn High School. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
Vincent Payne fights for the ball, eventually earning a jump ball call. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
Romello Ali corrals a rebound in Wednesday night’s game vs. Oak Lawn. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
Junior Romello Ali led TFS in scoring on Wednesday night. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
The two teams shook hands at the end of the game in a show of sportsmanship. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)
The full video recording of the game is included below, as recorded by Oak Lawn Community High School:
Josh is Managing Editor at The Lansing Journal and believes in the power and purpose of community news. He covers any local topics—from village government to theatre, from business openings to migratory birds.
