Goreville falls to Chicago Marshall at Class 1A state finals 52-44

A 15-point run in the fourth quarter helped the Chicago Marshall Commandos surpass the Goreville Blackcats Saturday morning to claim the Illinois Class 1A state championship 52-44.

Marshall (24-10) stepped out to an early 13-8 advantage, but the Blackcats rallied to a 24-18 lead at the half, then held serve through three periods at 39-31.

Marshall's relentless defense kept them in the game by dominating the category of points off turnovers. The Commandos set a tournament record with 18 steals.

Goreville's Zech Green finished with 13 points. Nick King and Lawson Land scored 10 apiece.

Chicago Marshall's Darrin Laye, Jr. led all scorers with 30.

Goreville (34-5) finished the year one win shy of the school record.