Boys Basketball: ‘Complete’ play lifts Bloom by Rich South

Updated: December 29, 2011 10:49PM

Bloom seems to be hitting its stride at just the right time. The Blazing Trojans played nearly flawless basketball and easily blew past host Rich South 69-57 in the McDipper semifinals Thursday night.

Bloom will play Crete-Monee in the championship game at 7 P.M. Friday.

“That is the most complete game that we’ve played this year,” Jasper Williams said. “Crete beat us three times last year so we have to be ready to come and play.”

The Blazing Trojans (12-0) took the lead for good 7-4 on a Donald Moore three pointer with 5:29 left to play in the first quarter. The senior point guard played his usual all-around game by making his shots, playing tough defense and setting up his teammates from his point guard spot. Moore finished with 10 points and five assists.

The Stars (12-4) managed to hang close thanks to John Ruffin and Marvin Williams led the scoring attack for Rich South in the first quarter to keep the game close until the last two minutes. Ruffin had six first quarter point and Williams scored four as the Stars pulled to within 13-12 on a Ruffin basket. Ruffin lead the Stars with 13 points.

“Our big three of Moore, (Lejavious) Johnson and Hicks all stepped it up,” Williams said. “They are all three year starters and it showed tonight.”

Bloom then exerted its authority ending the first quarter with a 9-0 run for a 22-13 lead that would never be seriously threatened. Lejavious Johnson hit a three from the top of the key on his way to 22 points. Henry Hicks also scored four of his 10 points during the run as Bloom displayed a balanced scoring attack.

“We have a hit list in our locker room of teams that we play this year,” Johnson said. “Crete is pretty high on that hit list after last year. This is a very big game to us.”

Bloom kept opening the game up as time went on and recorded 19 assists to only six turnovers.

“We feel like we are getting better with every game,” Johnson said. “Everybody on the team wanted this game and we worked hard to get it.”

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