Cougars secure city championship with three tournament victories

The Peoria Board of Education meeting on April 14, 2025, celebrated the achievements of the Roland Acres Cougars boys' varsity basketball team, who recently claimed the city championship title. The Cougars, seeded fourth in the tournament, showcased their skills by winning three consecutive games, culminating in a championship victory against the second-seeded Von Steuben Vikings.

The Cougars began their tournament journey by defeating the fifth-seeded Lincoln Mustangs with a decisive score of 50-23. D'Tavion Hayes led the team with an impressive 26 points. In the semifinals, the Cougars faced the top-seeded Fort Allen Riders and pulled off an upset, winning 55-37, with Hayes contributing 16 points and Damien Thomas adding 15.

In the championship game, the Cougars avenged an earlier season loss by defeating the Vikings 50-42, with Hayes again leading the scoring with 15 points. The team finished the season with a commendable record of 14 wins and 3 losses.

Principal Michael Barber and Coach Alvin Riley were present to acknowledge the team's accomplishments, along with the roster of players, which includes Hayes, Thomas, and several others. The meeting concluded with a round of applause for the champions and a note of gratitude to the board and community for their support, emphasizing the importance of education alongside athletic success.