Rock Island falls short in regional loss to Richwoods

Jimara Combs scores 29 points but Rock Island can't hold on late

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Despite a 29-point performance from Jimara Combs, the Rock Island boys basketball team fell short in the Illinois 3A regional championship, losing 52-48 to Peoria Richwoods after surrendering a late offensive rebound.

Why it matters

Rock Island has been a consistent basketball powerhouse in Illinois, making this regional final loss a tough setback in their quest to advance further in the state tournament. Richwoods, meanwhile, continues its strong season and will move on to the sectional round.

The details

In a close game throughout, Rock Island led by as many as 6 points in the fourth quarter. But Richwoods battled back and secured the win by grabbing a crucial offensive rebound in the final minute to seal the victory.

  • The Illinois 3A regional championship game took place on February 20, 2026.

The players

Jimara Combs

A standout player for Rock Island, Combs scored 29 points in the losing effort.

Peoria Richwoods

The Richwoods boys basketball team secured the regional championship win and will advance to the sectional round of the Illinois state tournament.

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What they’re saying

“We fought hard but just couldn't get that last rebound. Richwoods made the plays when they needed to.”

— Jimara Combs, Rock Island Player

What’s next

Richwoods will now advance to the sectional round of the Illinois 3A state tournament, where they will face the winner of the other regional final.

The takeaway

This regional final loss is a tough end to the season for the Rock Island boys basketball team, who had high hopes of making a deep run in the state tournament. However, the team can take pride in Jimara Combs' standout performance and look to build on this experience for next season.