When Marshall heard about North Chicago’s game plan for Tuesday night’s Class 3A supersectional, it was difficult for the Commandos to contain their glee.
Loaded with quick guards, the Warhawks were set on running all night against arguably the most lethal up-tempo team in the state.
Marshall put on a clinic of fast-break basketball during an 84-54 triumph over North Chicago at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.
The Commandos (30-4) move on to the noon semifinal game Friday against Washington, Ill. (26-3).
“Yeah, we got pretty excited when we heard they were going to try and outrun us,” said Darius Smith, who finished with 14 points and six steals. “We are the best-conditioned team in the Public League, and all we do in practice is run our fast breaks.
“We’re kind of like the Phoenix Suns — well, at least until they got Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal). But we can also play at a slower pace and with more discipline.
“I know North Chicago tried to step their game up. We like it when teams try to run against us.”
Ryan Hare led the Commandos with 17 points while handing out four assists and making three steals. Ardarius Simmons had 14 points and five assists while Eriq Harris added 13 points and nine rebounds. Montric McKnight’s 10 points gave Marshall five in double figures.
North Chicago’s high-octane, breakneck pace that had blitzed four previous playoff opponents only played into Marshall’s hands.
After a competitive first quarter, the Commandos asserted themselves in the second quarter with a 26-10 run that provided a 47-32 halftime lead. With two minutes left in the third quarter, Marshall extended its advantage to 67-37.
The Commandos appear focused on winning a state title after finishing third in Class AA the last two years.
Keith Ford led the Warhawks (25-5) with 19 points.
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bsakamoto@tribune.com
