RICHTON PARK — For just over 10 minutes of game time, Coal City looked ready to extend their first run in the Class 3A Boys Basketball State Series even further.

For the remainder of the game, the Coalers looked like a team that had been bumped up a class and was playing in its first sectional since 2001.

Coal City lost 75-47 to Rich East at the 3A Rich South Sectional Wednesday night, but at one point, the Coalers led 25-14. A basket by Rich East's Ronald Lawton at the 5:23 mark of the second quarter served as the tipping point, as it ignited a 21-6 run with which the Rockets closed the first half. They then outscored the Coalers 28-5 during the third quarter and the rout was on.