By Bryan Bloodworth

PEORIA – Never in the history of LeRoy High School has the boys basketball team made it to the state finals.

That all changes Friday when the Panthers put their 26-5 record on the line against 29-4 Liberty in a 12:15 p.m. Class 1A semifinal game at Carver Arena in the Peoria Civic Center.

LeRoy coach Mark Edmundson said one word characterizes the team.

“As a group I would the chemistry because of their friendship,” Edmundson said. “They’ve been together their whole lives. They’ve played with each other their whole lives. They really get along together. They know their roles and they accept their roles. The chemistry that comes from all of that has been really the key to the last three games.”

The Panthers are led by 6-foot-6 all-everything guard Matt Chastain, who averages 26 points and 7.5 rebounds. Other players, who average in double figures include a pair of 6-2 senior forwards Teddy Harms (10.2) and Noah Perry (10.0).

Liberty has a more balanced attack led by 6-2 senior forward Cole Wellman, who averages 16.7 points and 7.2 rebounds. Fellow senior, 6-2 Reed Wolfmeyer, averages 15.7 points and 4.4 rebounds 6-1 senior guard Tayton Roe chips in 14.4 points.

“They’re a much more balanced team than we are,” said Edmundson. “They’ve got five guys you really have to look at the numbers because they’re pretty interchangeable, both in their size, their look, their build and what they do. They play a ton of different defenses both full and half court. They play extremely hard, extremely hard. They play very physical. They like to attack the basket, penetrating and then try to finish or kick.”

What does Edmundson feel will be the key to the game?

“I think a lot like ISU, a good start,” he added. “Physically handling their pressure and being patient on offense.”

Bryan Bloodworth can be reached at [email protected]