Hales prevails: Spartans claim Class 2A title

Share

Sunday, March 13, 2011
12:20 a.m.

By Steve Tucker
Yourseason.com

PEORIACall it two the hard way for Hales Franciscan.

To win its second state titles, Hales had to knock off two unbeaten teams in just over 24 hours and the Spartans did, capped by a 61-47 victory over Murphysboro in the Class 2A championship game Saturday night at Carver Arena.

It feels great, Hales coach Gary London said. These guys have been focused since the start of the season. This is what they wanted, and all I can say now is, mission accomplished.

For Hales (29-4), this state title served as redemption after the Spartans were upset in last years semifinals and finished third.

This is great, and its something Ive wanted for four years, Hales senior Aaron Armstead said. After last year to come back and get it done is the best feeling in the world.

We knew that (Murphysboro) would make its runs, but we weathered the storm and pulled through.

After Murphysboro (35-1) closed to within 32-31 early in the third quarter, the Spartans used an 8-0 tear to go up 40-31 before Orlando Jarrett made two free throws for the Red Devils with 1:32 to play in the quarter. In the Hales run, Aaric Armstead scored four and Cameron Johnson and Eddie Alcantara two each.

Hales started the fourth quarter with a run-out slam by Aaric Armstead, a free throw by Jerry Humphrey and a tip by Dominique Walls to go ahead 47-35 before two Muphysboro baskets by Pierre House.

Aaric Armstead led the Spartans with 18 points. Alcantara had 15 and nine rebounds, and Aaron Armstead added 12 points for Hales. Murphysboro got 16 points from Jarrett and 11 from House, who fouled out. Hales also forced 18 turnover while committing 11.

Winning this means everything to us, Alcantara said. Especially after all the running we had to do to get ready for this.

After Hales went up 8-5 on a three-pointer by Aaric Armstead, the Red Devils closed the first quarter and opened the second with a 10-2 run to go up 15-10. Four players scored for Muphysboro with Jerrod Stanton getting four points and Eben Brooks, Dylan Craig and House each adding a basket. Alcantara had Hales lone basket.

But down 19-16, an Alcantara three-pointer ignited a 10-0 burst for the Spartans, who went up 26-19. Aaron Armstead scored five in the run, including a three-point play, and Aaric Armstead, whose powerful slam early in the second quarter that appeared to inject fire in Hales, had a basket.

Murphysboro got within 26-23 before an Alcantara slam sent the Spartans to the break up 28-23.

The teams came to the state finals ranked 1-2 in the state in Class 2A. Murphysboro was No. 1 but Hales had seven votes for No. 1 to three for the Red Devils, who on Friday made their fourth state appearance since 1947 and won their first game. It was Hales fifth trip. The Spartans won Class A in 2003 finished second in 1993 and third last year.

Rockford Christian (32-1) got 29 points from Brayden Teuscher and 12 from Art Ford in a 44-38 victory over Pittsfield for third place. Brad Hamilton scored 14 for the Saukees (28-7).

Contact Us