By Jim Hagerty
Reporter

PEORIA — The East E-Rabs ran into a buzzsaw Friday night, falling to Evanston 94-82 in the IHSA Class 4A boys basketball semifinals at Carver Arena.

The E-Rabs (34-3) were cold from the outside for most the contest against the quick and three-point proficient Wildkits. East trailed by as many as 21 but owned the third quarter, shooting 13 for 17 from the field to come within eight.

Evanston, led by hot-shooting sophomore Blake Peters, dominated the fourth and put the game out of reach. Peters finished the night with 27 points.

Chris Burnell scored 26 points for the E-Rabs while Sha’den Clanton added 20. Sincere Parker shot just 1-for-8 from beyond the arc and finished with 13 points.

East’s historic season continues Saturday when they face Chicago Curie at 5:30 p.m. in the consolation game. Curie (34-2) fell to defending 4A champion Belleville West 70-48 in Friday’s second semifinal contest.

This year’s East squad is the first E-Rabs boys basketball team to make it to the state tournament in 41 years. The 1978 squad finished fourth. R.