Commandos march past Little Village

Updated: March 23, 2011 4:12PM

Little Village had to play its way into the Marshall regional and then for its victory over Montini it earned a date with the home team who promptly disposed of them with a 80-44 victory in the boys 3A state playoff game Tuesday.

The Commandos (17-10) quickly raced out to a 24-7 lead by the end of the first quarter and had little trouble in the second quarter as they built the margin to 41-20 by halftime.

The Marshall defense didn't allow the Phoenix consecutive baskets in the entire first half and forced them into 22 of their 34 turnovers.

After building a 63-28 lead by the end of the third quarter, Marshall coach Henry Cotton pulled the plug on his starters and turned the game over to the reserves the entire fourth quarter.

Kiefer Sykes was the lone Commando in double figures, barely playing two-and-half quarters with 12 points. Marlon Sykes and Anthony Connor scored nine points apiece and Korbin McClain scored eight points.

"After being off for two weeks, it was good seeing they were still in shape. You never can tell kids not to play hard. But it was good we got an opportunity to work on a lot of things," said Cotton.

Cotton also said March is no time to let up. "They didn't have to be here, they beat Montini so you don't want to take anyone for granted. This is state playoffs, one slip up and you are done."

Brian Johnson led Little Village (14-7) with 11 points. Darrell Towens scored 10 points.

Little Village coach Steve Smith said his team has nothing to hang their head about. "This was a great learning experience for us. We were picked to finish last in the Blue, we've only been in existence for five years, this is our first year in the Blue Central and all five starters and most of the team will return next season. We are trying to build a program."

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