Boys basketball used balanced scoring to pull away from Pekin in a 78-33 IHSA regional quarterfinal win Feb. 25, then turned its attention to a rematch with United Township in the regional semifinals Feb. 27 in East Moline.

Head coach Mr. Dave Witzig said Community’s early tempo did not match its goal of getting “a good start on regionals,” but the Ironmen settled in once the game sped up.

“Once we got going, we got good,” Witzig said. “Pekin physically couldn’t keep up with us. We did a good job of just taking care of business and not fooling around.”

Senior guard Trey Birditt III set the tone against the Dragons, scoring 21 points in 18 minutes while shooting 8 of 10 from the field and 2 of 3 from 3-point range. Birditt also handed out seven assists and did not commit a turnover.

Community’s supporting cast kept the pressure on as Jarrel Brown scored 11 points on 5 of 7 shooting, Shawn Harrison knocked down two 3-pointers on his way to eight points and Chase Kasten added nine.

The Ironmen will now face a different kind of test against United Township, a team they beat 67-57 earlier this season, one Witzig said will look different in a playoff setting.

“Even though we beat them, it was a good game, but it’s just different now that it’s the postseason,” Witzig said. “Everything’s magnified and the other game doesn’t mean much.”

In that first meeting, Community created separation with a dominant second quarter, outscoring United Township 19-5 to take control.

The Ironmen led 32-16 at halftime, then matched a strong UT third-quarter push by closing with a 23-point fourth quarter to finish the 10-point win.

Community’s offensive balance in the earlier matchup gives a blueprint for Friday.

Kasten led the Ironmen with 16 points on 5 of 8 shooting, including 2 of 3 from 3-point range, and added six rebounds. Mitchell Potts scored 15 points and went 6 of 6 from the free throw line, while Brown finished with 14 and Andrew Naour added 10 points, knocking down three 3-pointers and recording three steals.

United Township countered with a perimeter-heavy attack that could become even more dangerous if Community is forced to collapse inside. Octavius Hickman scored 19 points, Jasiah Massey hit five 3-pointers and finished with 15 points and Jordan Massey added 13 points in the earlier game.

That outside shooting is part of what makes the rematch tricky, but Witzig said the focal point starts in the paint because United Township features a “very big, strong, physical post player” who can score inside and pass out of double teams.

“He’s just a real force in the paint and then you double team him, he’s a good passer,” Witzig said. “We can’t let him beat us in the paint.”

Witzig said Community’s response will require multiple defenders and smart rotations, with Carter Harris and Kasten factoring into the primary matchup while the rest of the Ironmen help without surrendering too many clean perimeter looks.

Offensively, Witzig said the Ironmen must keep sharing the ball and making the right read when the defense loads up on their top scorers.

“We need all three of those guys to play well, but they also need to share the ball,” Witzig said. “If they’re trying to take shots to score for themselves, we’re not going to do very well.”

Community will face United Township on Feb. 27 in East Moline. Tipoff is set for 6:55 p.m. CT.