Maurice Thomas Leads DePaul Prep to Program's First State Title

Saturday was Championship Day in Champaign as four teams would be crowned as Illinois' State Champions. The Class 2A title game featured DePaul Prep and Bloomington Central Catholic.

The DePaul Prep Rams held Teutopolis to 17 points en route to a 45-17 blowout in the first semifinal. Cole Certa's second half surge led the Central Catholic Saints to a 57-44 victory over Rockridge.

Interior dominance, and a smothering defense led the Rams to a 65-41 victory. Despite a terrific effort by Saints point guard Cole Certa, he did not get much help as the Rams defense did an outstanding job containing the Saints' role players. One such role player, 6-6 junior Colin Hayes, fouled out midway through the third quarter.

Senior guard Maurice Thomas led all scorers with 21 points and 4 assists. 6-7 junior Jaylan McElroy dominated the boards, and ate up the Saints' post defense scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds. Junior PJ Chambers had 11 points and 5 rebounds, and 6-8 junior Payton Kamin had 10 points and 3 rebounds.

The 6-5 Cole Certa, who is one of the top ranked juniors in the state, finished with 18 points, and 6 rebounds. Junior Charlie Graham, and sophomore Trey Eller each had 5 points. Seniors Chase Fisher and Rye Pirtz each had 4 points.

The Rams finish the season at 23-12, and the Saints finish at 26-12.