A strong tournament performance last week has the Green Wave playing better. With three wins in their last five games, Mattoon hopes to use that momentum at Lincoln High School. The Railsplitters are also playing some of their best basketball. With one loss in the Apollo, Lincoln is trying to keep pace with 7-0 Apollo leader Mount Zion. A loss to Mattoon would put a significant wedge in their Apollo title hopes. 

Here is a preview of Friday’s game. 

Team Records: Mattoon (6-17, 2-5) @ Lincoln (17-4, 5-1)

Where: Lincoln High School Gym

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at LHS Gym. 

School Size: Mattoon (929), Lincoln (810)

JV Tip-Off: 6:00 p.m.

Varsity Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m.

Lincoln’s  History: Hall of Fame coach Neil Alexander has been with the Railsplitters since the 1990-91 season. Prior to this season, Alexander owned a 750-239 overall record with 18 Regional Championships, four Sectional Championships, four trips to the state tournament, and an IHSA Class 3A state-runner-up finish in 2013-2014. This will be the final year that Lincoln will participate in the Apollo Conference. Last year, the team was 25-8. 

Lincoln’s Past Results: Lincoln played Mattoon on December 3rd earlier this year. The Railsplitters defeated the Green Wave 43-24. Lincoln’s one loss in the Apollo was to Mount Zion 36-27 on November 23rd. Among other Apollo teams, Lincoln has defeated Taylorville 61-28, Charleston 46-15, Effingham 59-46,  and Mahomet-Seymour 48-43. In their last few games, Lincoln has defeated Springfield Lanphier, Bloomington, Rock Island, and Big 12 Conference contender Normal West 44-43 

Lincoln’s Top Players: Payton Cook was an All-Apollo Second Team selection last season and leads this year’s squad as a senior. Camden Nelson, Connor Meagher, and Drew Hayes also return with experience. 

Lincoln’s Team Stats:  Individual stats are not available. The Railsplitters are averaging 51.6 points per game and allowing 35.8 points per game. 

Mattoon’s Past Results: Mattoon participated in the Litchfield Tournament last week. The Green Wave went 2-2 with a 53-50 win offer Pana headlining. The team dropped a 61-33 contest to Troy Triad and a 56-38 loss to Nokomis. Mattoon has won three of their last five games. 

Mattoon’s Team Stats: Individual stats are not available. The Green Wave are averaging 48.4 points per game and allowing 58.0 points per game.