Coming into this game, Hales has lost a number of "so-called" key players to various schools including Seton, such D.J. Cooper and Jordan Walker. They also lost Brandon Spearman, who transferred to Simeon; Josh Humphrey to Crete-Monee; and Bradley Allen who moved away. "For both Jordan and myself, transferring was more of an academic issue," said Cooper earlier in the season. "We felt Seton would do a better job preparing us academically for the next level."

Coach Gary London was quoted saying "they [players] all left for different reasons, and that's just the way it goes. I still get along fine with D.J. and Jordan. They're good kids who felt they were in a better situation at Seton."

Despite all of these transfers, the Spartans have made it to this point behind junior guard Patrick Miller, who's averaging 20 points per game, and senior Kenny Rhymes, who's averaging 18 points and 8 boards. Not to mention, they have struggled at times during the regular season going 16 of 25, and 4-3 in the Catholic South conference. But nonetheless, they won when they needed to, in the playoffs. 

The 6'2" guard, Rhymes, who transferred from Seton to Hales, is quoted saying "it's going to be a war… it's going to be emotional…" after the victory over Northridge Prep Friday night, 58-40.

 single-digits in the first quarter, 21-8, as well as in the fourth quarter, 16-9.
 

“Right now we are going to savor this moment" said coach Ken Stevenson, who is a Hales graduate. "Tomorrow, we will get back in the gym and start preparing for whoever we play. I did tell coach London, we will make them proud downstate." Coach Stevenson also gave coach London a lot of praise including calling him a "class act."

Click here to hear our interview with Coach Stevenson.

... and Amateur Sports will see you guys downstate at the baseline...

NOTE: Seton will play Winnebago in Peoria at the Carver Arena at 630pm Friday night.