The Ironmen boys basketball team fell 44-37 to the Thornton Wildcats in the Southern Illinois Classic on Saturday in Springfield. Both teams entered the game with impressive 7-1 records, making it a close and highly anticipated contest. The defensive showdown resulted in season-scoring lows for both programs, with the Iron and Wildcats combined for just 32 first-half points, illustrating the intensity of the game and the outstanding defensive performances.

By the Numbers
  • Community (7-1) entered the contest as the top-ranked 4A team in the Associated Press Week One poll.
  • Thornton (7-1) held the third spot in 3A.
  • Chase Abraham led Thornton with 16 points, and Morez Johnson contributed 14 points.
  • The boys are back in action hosting the 6-2 Rock Island Rocks in non-conference play on Tuesday, Dec. 19.
State of Play
  • The Ironmen fell short in a closely contested game, marking their second loss of the season.
  • Despite the defeat, the team's strong performance shows their potential for success in future matchups.
What's Next

The Ironmen will face the 6-2 Rock Island Rocks in a non-conference game on Tuesday, Dec. 19, providing an opportunity for redemption following their recent defeat.

Bottom Line

The Ironmen's hard-fought battle against the Thornton Wildcats demonstrates their resilience and competitive spirit, setting the stage for an exciting matchup against the Rock Island Rocks.