Analysis: Griffins Have Building Blocks In Place

Thornton didn't have all phases of its powerful attack in synch The Wildcats were just 13-of-30 from the free-throw line. But in the end, they showed their explosiveness, led by Brandon Brame (18 points).

Meanwhile, Lincoln-Way East could never consistently establish its halfcourt offense against the Wildcats. The Griffins committed 25 turnovers.

The result was Thornton’s 65-47 victory for the Lincoln-Way North Regional crown and a ticket to the Thornwood Sectional.

While the season is over for the Griffins, there are signs of hope on the road to greater success. The team’s 16-12 record was much better than last season’s nine-win mark. Next season, Jelani Yancy and Joel Magrum figure to lead a talented group that will try to climb even higher.

The Griffins earned respect from their opponents throughout the regular season and in the regional.

"I think respect doesn't come in the numbers,” Griffins coach Rich Kolimas said. “We beat Sandburg twice, we beat Lockport and we gave Homewood-Flossmoor a great game at their place. I think the respect (comes) from the coaches who know that when they play us, they will be a formidable opponent.”

The Griffins didn't clear all the hurdles this season, but Kolimas saw plenty of promise.

"We didn't make all the strides we had hoped,” he said. “I'll talk to the juniors next week. I will tell them, 'We played the No. 1 seed (Thornton). Why are we playing them? Because of our record. We lost games early on that cost us a higher seed. If we're more consistent early on, we'll get a higher seed and won't be playing such a tough opponent in the next regional final.”