Top Coaches See Top Teams at Centurion Classic

The ninth annual Centurion Classic moved into its semifinalrounds Thursday with some powerful eyes looking on.

Newly appointed Illinois coach Lon Kruger and Bradley's JimMolinari were among the more visible collegiate skippers present tocatch a glimpse of some of the state's top high school basketballtalent at Marquette Manor Baptist Church in Downers Grove.

Class AA runner-up Thornton used a 14-0 run to start the game asa fuel for a 71-48 triumph over Farragut. Wildcats center Melvin Elyled the way with 26 points, while Erik Herring chipped in 18."I play good under pressure," said Ely, referring to the handfulof college coaches on hand. "I was trying to show a lot, but(Farragut's) Mike Wright (10 points) is a big boy and he forced me todo some different things."Jamal Rome (six three-pointers) finished with a team-high 18points for Farragut.In one of the more highly anticipated games of the day, Bloomshowcased why it will be one of the area's top teams next season witha 56-44 victory over Rockford Boylan.The Blazing Trojans rallied behind 6-9 center Tim Williams whoscored 26 points and grabbed 12 rebounds."This tournament is good for our game because we didn't make itDownstate," Williams said.Bloom led 27-22 at intermission and held Boylan's DamirKrupalisa (14 points) in check. Michael Howard added eight pointsfor Bloom.Fenwick standout sophomore forward Corey Maggette scored all 14of his points in the second half to lead his squad past Manley 55-48.The Friars led 24-17 at halftime and fended off a game-high17-point showing from Manley's Tim Smith to secure the victory.VOLLEYBALLSt. Francis de Sales d. De La Salle 15-2, 15-10: Damnic Grujic(nine service points), Armando Martinez (seven service points) andJuan Ramirez (seven kills) led de Sales (8-5, 4-1 Catholic League).Eisenhower d. Oak Lawn 16-14, 17-15: Jason Tomaska had ninekills, Ray Brazell five kills and seven blocks, and Jorge Arambula 23assists for Eisenhower (6-5, 1-1 SICA North).Reavis d. T.F. North 15-2, 15-12: Victor Kucek (seven blocks),Mike Kowski (20 assists) and Ken Porter (eight kills, nine digs)paced Reavis (2-3, 1-1 SICA North).Stagg d. Richards 16-14, 15-10: B.J. Strote (10 kills, fourblocks), Dave Chesna (nine kills), Steve Kopp (22 assists), JasonRempert (seven kills) and Bob Pinta (eight service points) led Stagg(5-3, 1-0 SICA North).Oak Park d. Lyons 15-3, 15-5: Andy Wecheter (six kills) and TomTrantow (five) led the Huskies (8-1, 3-0 West Suburban.