Basketball Recap: Eion Ikner Key Part of a Team Effort in Red Wolves Win

Thornton Fractional South was handed a heart-breaking two-point loss in their last contest, but they sure didn't let that happen against Richards on Friday. The Thornton Fractional South Red Wolves were the clear victor by a 64-40 margin over the Richards Bulldogs. Given the Red Wolves' advantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 254th, while the Bulldogs are ranked 544th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Thornton Fractional South's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Eion Ikner led the charge by dropping a double-double on 17 points and 11 boards. That's the most points Ikner has posted since back in February of 2024. Amari Dukes was another key player, almost dropping a double-double on 20 points and nine rebounds.

Thornton Fractional South has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matchups, which provided a nice bump to their 8-7 record this season. The wins came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 61.8 points per game. As for Richards, they have been struggling recently as they've lost six of their last seven games, which put a noticeable dent in their 3-12 record this season.

Thornton Fractional South has already played their next contest, a 49-48 defeat against Lake Forest Academy on the 11th. As for Richards, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next matchup, a 67-35 loss against Thornton Fractional North on the 14th.