Third stint of Perry County rivalry set for regional final

With the conclusion of both Trico regional semifinal games, a third stint of the Perry County rivalry between Du Quoin (15-14) and Pinckneyville (28-2) is set. <br />Pinckneyville, who made quick work in its semifinal matchup, dominating Vienna from start to finish in route to a 63-38 win, will enter Friday night's regional championship as the inarguable favorite. <br />The Panthers stand at 28-2 on the season with their only losses coming at the hands of state-ranked Okawville (No. 2 in Class 1A) and Benton (No. 6 in Class 3A), a team they also beat earlier in the season in the championship game of the Duster Thomas Classic, earning themselves their current No. 6 ranking in Class 2A. <br />Du Quoin on the other hand, fought tooth and nail to advance to the regional championship game Wednesday night, locking down on defense in the second half to hold on and defeat Chester 42-41. <br />The Indians will have to execute on all cylinders for a chance at the regional championship, having lost both meetings to Pinckneyville this season rather handily, losing the most recent matchup 68-43. <br />For that to happen, they will need big contributions from seniors Caleb Vogel and Braden Heape who have proven to be their most consistent offensive weapons. In two meetings with the Panthers, Vogel managed 18 points, but was limited to just one in the second matchup. Heape has compiled 32 points between both meetings, leading his team with 21 in the last one. <br />For the Panthers, they have a number of weapons to turn to, but it has been Grant Jausel who has had the most offensive success, scoring 51 points between both meetings, shooting an efficient 13-for-16 from the free throw line while knocking down shots from beyond-the-arc. <br />Another key player to watch for will be senior Tyler Rulevish, coming off an impressive 22-point showing against Chester, knocking down 6-of-8 foul shots and pair of three-pointers. <br />Regardless, previous outcomes mean nothing as both teams enter Friday night with the same shot at claiming a regional championship, with the added bonus of bragging rights.