Such is the ambition of the state’s top-ranked Division II Cougars (11-1). But it also shows how much of a difference there is vs. the nation’s consensus No. 2 team; a lot.
“You take an education away from it,” Thurgood coach Darnell Hoskins said. “They did exactly what a team of that caliber should do.”
Alstork had a game-high 23 points and ignited a capacity 4,000-plus crowd by hitting four of five treys. But the Cougars couldn’t get anyone else going and wilted in the fourth quarter.
“I think (Alstork) opened some eyes of some people at the next level with his effort,” said Hoskins.
Findlay Prep (22-0), loaded with six Division I signees to Indiana, Washington, UNLV, Auburn, Mississippi State and UCLA, was as good as billed.
- Minnesota coach Tubby Smith was among the collegiate coaches at Friday's games. He has a special interest in Findlay's Gavin Schilling, a 6-9 senior from Chicago who went for four points and five rebounds against Thurgood. Ohio State also is after Schilling.
- Smith and Michigan State coach Tom Izzo huddled in the stands. Both were no doubt interested in Andrew Wiggins of Huntington Prep (W.Va.). Wiggins, considered the nation's most sought-after unsigned senior, had 11 points in a sluggish 46-35 setback to La Lumiere (Ind.) in the nightcap. Dayton coach Archie Miller also was in attendance.
- School officials didn't allow Quality Education (N.C.) to bus from Winston-Salem because 10 inches of snow had blanketed the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Taking its place against Westerville North today will be 22ft Academy (Frankfort, Ky.). Prime Prep (Texas) will sub for Quality in Sunday’s nightcap against Springboro.
- Six more Flyin' games will be played at Trent today, Sunday and Monday.
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