Who's going downstate?
March 16, 2010
CLASS 3A BOYS BASKETBALL
Hillcrest vs. Robeson
Going into this game, the Hawks were not only nervous but they had extra
pressure placed on their shoulders. About two weeks ago, the girls basketball
team punched their own ticket downstate. So needless to say, the boys had to
match their game play in the supersectionals against Robeson. The Hawks were
able to punch their ticket to Peoria with a 70-60.
Eric Gaines led everyone with a game-high of 26 points.
“It was a lot of pressure,” Gaines said after the game. “It feels so good
letting the nerves come out.”
The Hawks jumped out early offensively knocking down the first 9 points of the
contest and set the pace defensively forcing consecutive turnovers.
This is Hillcrests' first trip downstate since 1999. They are not only looking
for a chance at a state title, but an opportunity for revenge against Champaign
Centennial. Centennial defeat the Hawks earlier in the season.
Centennial vs. Cahokia
Defending Class 3A champion punched a return ticket to the state tournament
by beating Cahokia 80-74. All-stater Rayvonte Rice led Centennial with a
game-high 34 points.
Centennial plays Hillcrest in the Class 3A semifinals Friday at 2 p.m. at Carver
Arena in Peoria.
Oswego vs. Peoria Richwoods
Oswego chances of repeat state titles was defeat as they lost to Peoria
Richwoods 61-44. The Knights quickness, athleticism and outside shooting was
just too much for Oswego.
Richwoods jumped out to a 23-9 first-quarter lead and never looked back.
“I thought our kids did a great job of coming out and being ready to play, and
it was for an extended period,’’ Richwoods coach Mike Ellis said.
Marshall vs. St. Viator
Marshall used their speed and quickness to cruise past St. Viator 63-51.
Marshall will meet Peoria Richwoods in Friday's Class 3A semifinals.
CLASS 4A BOYS BASKETBALL
Waukegan vs. Bartlett
The Bulldogs continue their winning ways as they ended Bartlett’s season
with a 75-61 victory.
After listening to chants from the Bartlett student section that he was
overrated, Jereme Richmond took over the game, scoring 13 straight Waukegan
points that launched a 60-45 lead.
“I heard a chant at the free-throw line saying something about my sister and
that kind of set me off,” Richmond said. “My teammates did a good job of finding
me and getting me the ball in all the right spots. I was frustrated with myself
for rushing my shots a little [at the outset]. I think my second half
overshadowed the bad things I did in the first half.”
Waukegan will face Young again in the semifinals Friday evening. Waukegan
defeated them about two weeks at the CPS Showdown.
Young vs. Maine South
The Dolphins swim upstream and advance to the Class 4A semifinals Friday
night 63-39 over Maine South.
Ahmad Starks provided the team with the energy they needed as he knocked down
22.
"Our guys are hungry and want it now," Starks said. "We were mentally there
tonight to play in this game."
Simeon vs. Benet
It took double overtime to punch the ticket between Simon and Benet and when
the final whistle blew, it was the Wolverines standing with a 58-50 victory.
Brandon Spearman knocked down a 20-footer as time expired in regulation knotted
the score at 39. Then, not to be outdone, his two free throws off an offensive
rebound with 2.5 seconds forced the second overtime with both teams knotted at
46.
Spearman rebounded a missed Benet free throw with 6.1 seconds remaining.
“I knew six seconds was enough time to get a good look,” Spearman said. “I
blinked and I couldn’t believe it went in.”
The Wolverines advance to the Class 4A semifinals Friday against O’Fallon.
O'Fallon beat Joliet in overtime 53 - 50.
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