Bloomington’s state title hopes dashed by Fenwick

Posted on March 17, 2017
Bloomington’s Patrick Fisher drives to the basket during the Purple Raiders’ Class 3A semifinal. (Photo/Jeff Findley)

By Eric Stock

PEORIA – Bloomington High School basketball coach Micheal Mosley chose to look at the bright side after his Purple Raiders went one-and-done in their first appearance at state since 1975.

“We weren’t at our best but (Fenwick) had a lot to do with it,” Mosley said. “I think it’s a learning experience for our players and we will continue to grow from it.”

PODCAST: Listen to the postgame interview with coach Mosley on WJBC.

No. 4-ranked Bloomington fell to Oak Park Fenwick, 67-52, at the Class 3A semifinals at Carver Arena in Peoria on Friday.

BHS (26-5) led briefly after Dazon Farris’ three-point shot put his team on top 6-4 in the first quarter.

The Friars (30-4) extended to a 30-23 halftime lead and withstood a rally that saw Bloomington climb within one point several times.

Chris Payton led Bloomington with 21 points and nine rebounds. BHS connected on 36 percent of its field goals, including 5 of 20 from three-point range.

Fenwick was led by D.J. Steward’s 23 points as the Friars advance to the state title game for the first time in school history.

The Purple Raiders will play for third place at 11 a.m. Saturday vs. Morgan Park or Springfield Laphier.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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