Comanches’ comeback falls just a little short

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. — The Cahokia Comanches pushed the defending state champs to the limit Tuesday night.

But Champaign Centennial stepped to the challenge, knocking down 20 of 24 fourth-quarter free throws in an 80-74 victory in the Class 3A supersectional at Prairie Capital Convention Center.

The Chargers, 31-1 and ranked second in Class 3A, advance to take on third-ranked Hillcrest (29-3) in the 2 p.m. semifinal Friday at Carver Arena in Peoria. Hillcrest defeated Chicago Robeson 70-60 in the Tuesday supersectional at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Cahokia, looking to make just its second state appearance, finished 24-10.

“I don’t think we ever felt in control tonight,” Centennial coach Tim Lavin said. “Give (Cahokia) credit. Even after we went out to the big lead, they just kept coming at us.

“But our guys responded like the championship team they are: by making good decisions and hitting those big free throws at the end.”

The Chargers, who took a 37-30 lead to halftime, threatened to put the game away in the third quarter, stretching their lead to 47-32 when Tiger O’Neil converted an alley-oop pass from Rayvonte Rice with 4 minutes to play in the quarter.

But Cahokia came charging back, thanks to freshman sensation Keenan Minor. The 6-foot-2 guard scored 10 of his team’s next 12 points as the Comanches cut the lead to 54-47 with a quarter to play.

Minor, who had 22 of his team-high 24 points in the second half, continued to lead the comeback, getting the Comanches within two at 73-71 with an inside basket with about 40 seconds to play.

Following a Centennial free throw, Cahokia’s Jarion Norris was called for a travel as his shot fell through.

“You’re never happy with a loss and I don’t mind getting beat. But this one really leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth,” said Cahokia coach Darian Nash, who was upset about the officiating. “They treated 24 (Rice) like some sort of prima donna and called fouls against our guys for the same things.”

In the game, Centennial made 32 of 40 free throws and was called for 10 fouls. By contrast, Cahokia made 11 of 12 foul shots and was whistled for 24 fouls.

Rice, who has signed with Drake, led all scorers with 34 points; he made 14 of 17 free throws and also had six steals. Joining Minor in double figures for Cahokia was Norris, a senior who finished with 22.