The Musketeers entered their final week of the regular season needing to win their final two games to win the conference championship. Red Bud traveled to New Athens to take on the Yellowjackets this past Tuesday. In the first quarter the Musketeers came out with a lot of energy on defense and was able to suffocate the Jackets early on the defensive side of the floor. Griffin Ziebold had seven points in the opening quarter, and the team only allowed two points on defense. The Musketeers help an early 9-2 lead. In the second quarter the Musketeers began to have contributions from everyone on offense. Six different Musketeers made a shot from the field in the quarter and helped boost them to a 22-14 lead at half. In the second half Red Bud began to amp up the pressure on the Jacket’s guards. Their defense created the Jackets to force up bad shots and the Musketeers were able to wear the Jackets down quickly.  Caleb Reichmann had eight of his 12 points in the second half, and did a good job at corralling rebounds for the Musketeers. The Musketeers only allowed four points in the fourth quarter and easily took care of the Jackets 49-30. Ziebold led the team in scoring with 14, but Reichmann and Alex Birchler also had good offensive nights both pitching in 12 a piece.

The Musketeers hosted the Dupo Tigers on their “Senior Night” with a chance to win the first boys basketball conference title since the 04-05 season. In the first quarter the Musketeers came out with a lot of energy and was ready to play. Ziebold and Carter Wiegard both knocked in a three point field goal and helped the home team hop out to a demanding 22-10 lead early. In the second quarter the Musketeers began to wear down a little bit, struggling to score on offense, and giving up easy cuts toward the basket. Red Bud was able to do enough on both ends of the floor to hold a 29-19 at halftime. In the second half the boat race was on for the Musketeers. They could smell the title within striking distance, and they delivered. Red Bud scored eleven second half points on free throws alone. The Musketeers kept the pressure on the Tigers, and was able to speed them up into bad shots and turnovers. Alex Birchler had a nice game, taking the ball to the basket strong, getting fouled, and converting his foul shots. The Musketeers destroyed the Tigers 57-39 and clinched their first conference championship since the 04-05 season. Ziebold and Bichler both led the team in scoring with 14 a piece.

Red Bud will now participate in the IHSA Class 2A Regionals in Pinckneyville. The Musketeers will face a familiar opponent Monday, when they face the Dupo Tigers in a win or go home game.