4A sectional final at Lincoln-Way North
Thornton 55, Marian Catholic 39
Records: Thornton (28-1), Marian Catholic (16-14)
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Halftime: Thornton 21-20
Summary: After 12 lead changes, Thornton used a 16-0 second-half run to push aside Marian. The Wildcats advance to the Illinois State University supersectional on Tuesday against Belleville East. Jamal Gray came off the bench and scored all nine of his points — all on three-pointers — during the run which put his team in command 47-32. Marian Catholic was held scoreless for 7 minutes 31 seconds during the run before a putback by Grayson Mitchell ended the drought.
Top performers: Thornton — Reggie Smith 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals; Jeremy Parker 9 points; Richie Thompson 8 points, 10 rebounds; Trevell Rivers 8 points, 10 rebounds. Marian Catholic — Brian Johnson 14 points; Richard Pinto 12 rebounds.
The bonus: “Coach (Troy Jackson) told me at halftime not to get frustrated,” said Gray about his limited use in the first half. “He brought me off the bench and I knew I had to stay focused no matter how many minutes I get and I had to come in a do my job — and I did my job.”