Game 5 | 4:00 PM
Sterling vs. Bettendorf

Points By Quarter

END 3rd QTR	1st QTR	2nd QTR	3rd QTR	4th QTR	Total
Sterling	17	17	16	9	59
Bettendorf	13	11	16	14	54

Game Summary

In an electrifying battle that had the Carver Center rocking Sterling and Bettendorf showcased a pair highly competitive high school basketball teams. Sterling's dynamic trio of Andre Klaver, Nico Battaglia, and Carter Chance set the tone early, combining for a formidable offensive display. Their precision shooting and strategic plays helped Sterling establish a commanding lead, with Klaver's court vision shining through with 6 assists.

Bettendorf, however, refused to back down. Led by the tenacity of Tre'Von Coney and the sharpshooting of Caden Wilkins, the visitors launched a spirited comeback. The seesaw battle had fans on the edge of their seats as both teams exchanged blows on the scoreboard.

The third quarter proved pivotal for Sterling, as they expanded their lead with a combination of inside scoring and three-point precision. L. Austin's dominant performance on the boards, securing 13 rebounds, provided Sterling with crucial second-chance opportunities.

But Bettendorf fought back fiercely in the final period. Caden Wilkins, with a game-high 24 points, led the charge, bringing his team within striking distance. However, Sterling's resilience proved decisive, holding on to their lead and sealing the win with well-timed baskets from Chance and Klaver.

Sterling's victory gave the State of Illinois its first victory of day, setting the record at 4-1 Iowa through the first five games of the 2023 Genesis Shootout.

BOX Score

Game Preview by Steve Tappa, Shootout Historian

The most recent addition to the Shootout lineup (Sterling) meets one of the six event co-founders (Bettendorf) in a star-studded matchup that could have just as easily been the event's nightcap. Bettendorf coach Curtis Clark boasts the MAC's returning Player of the Year, Division-1 recruited senior swingman Caden Wilkins. Sterling coach Ryan Vasquez counters with a pair of All-Big 6 returners and two-sport All-State performers in seniors Andre Klaver (guard) and Lucas Austin (forward). Both are college prospects -- Klaver more in basketball, Austin more as a Division-1 offensive tackle in football (he's already visited West Virginia). Wilkins is joined by two returning All-MAC seniors -- honorable mention big man Asher Wade and second-team transfer Tre'von Coney (North's leading scorer last season). Iowa, Marquette, and Holy Cross are among the schools showing interest in Wilkins, a rare four-year varsity player in the MAC. However, Clark said missing the July portion of the AAU season because of an illness delayed his star's recruiting. Wade and Coney are both third-year varsity players who could play in college, too. DYK: Sterling (2-0 all-time) is so far unbeaten, with Shootout wins over Assumption (last year) and Central (in 2021). Bettendorf (15-13 all-time) snapped a two-event losing streak last year with a thrilling 59-54 victory over Rock Island.