Edwardsville outlasts Alton in OT to win sectional semifinal

Brady Niemi's clutch 3-pointer in overtime lifts Tigers to 52-51 victory

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a thrilling Class 4A sectional semifinal matchup, the top-seeded Edwardsville Tigers defeated the third-seeded Alton Redbirds 52-51 in overtime. Edwardsville shooting guard Brady Niemi hit a critical 3-pointer in the extra period to help the Tigers secure the victory and advance to the sectional championship game.

Why it matters

The win marks Edwardsville's first trip to the sectional final since 2017, setting up a showdown with Peoria Richwoods on Friday. The hard-fought battle between the two rivals showcased the intense competition and high stakes of the postseason, as both teams battled back and forth before Edwardsville emerged victorious in overtime.

The details

Edwardsville led by as many as 16 points in the fourth quarter, but Alton stormed back to tie the game at 45-45 and force overtime. In the extra period, Niemi hit a clutch 3-pointer to put Edwardsville up 50-45, and the Tigers held on for the narrow 52-51 win. Niemi finished with a game-high 16 points, while Matthew Wilson added 10 points for Edwardsville.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 4, 2026 in the Class 4A Rock Island Sectional semifinals at Mascoutah High School.
  • Edwardsville will face Peoria Richwoods in the sectional championship game on Friday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Brady Niemi

Edwardsville shooting guard who hit the game-winning 3-pointer in overtime and finished with a game-high 16 points.

Matthew Wilson

Edwardsville forward who scored 10 points and had a key putback in overtime to help the Tigers secure the victory.

Semaj Stampley

Alton guard who scored 8 points, all in the fourth quarter, to lead the Redbirds' comeback effort.

Dustin Battas

Edwardsville head coach who guided his team to the sectional final for the first time since 2017.

Dylan Dudley

Alton head coach whose team fought back from a 16-point deficit to force overtime before ultimately falling short.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I started the game off, but I missed some 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and I wanted them back. They called a play for me, and I knew I had to hit it. I wanted it.”

— Brady Niemi, Edwardsville shooting guard (The Telegraph)

“We were down 16 points, but there was never a doubt in my mind if we were going to win the game. We had a lot of things go against us, but I knew our kids were going to fight back and win the game. I'm proud of our kids for the fight.”

— Dylan Dudley, Alton head coach (The Telegraph)

“I didn't know if it was going to go in. I was just hoping it would. That meant the world. It was a big momentum swing.”

— Brady Niemi, Edwardsville shooting guard (The Telegraph)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game showcased the intense rivalry and high-stakes competition between Edwardsville and Alton, as the two teams battled back and forth before Edwardsville emerged victorious in overtime. The win sets up an intriguing sectional championship matchup between Edwardsville and Peoria Richwoods, two programs looking to advance to the state tournament.