Marshall? Chargers say don't count us out

Perhaps the rest of the world may not believe, but the Aurora Central Catholic boys basketball team does.

The Chargers, who are the only Tri-Cities area team still alive in the IHSA state tournament, are up against the top-ranked team in the state -- Marshall -- in tonight's Class 3A Riverside-Brookfield sectional semifinal at 7:30 p.m.

"I think we can get it done, I really do," said ACC coach Nate Drye. "Other people might think it's impossible, but the kids think they can win, too."

ACC has enjoyed a phenomenal year. The Chargers (25-4) broke the school record for victories.

The Chargers won their first regional title since the 2003-04 season after beating Orr 80-65 and Glenbard South 76-41 on their home floor.

Marshall (26-4) advanced after winning a regional on its own floor. The Commandos topped Collins 105-58 and the Wheaton Academy Warriors 89-42.

Against the Warriors, Marshall was led by Ryan Hare's 27 points after he scored 34 against Collins.

Davaris Davis added 13 points, Jeron Lee scored 11 and Erik Harris netted 10 points and 10 rebounds.

ACC is led by four-year starting guard Mark Adams, who is averaging 18.3 points a game. He has scored over 1,500 points and eclipsed 500 points this season against Orr.

In the post, juniors Nick Czaja and Mike Adams lead the way. Czaja averages 13.2 points and 4.6 rebounds a game, while Mike Adams is at 8.8 points and a team-best 6.3 rebounds a game.

Anthony Kelley has stepped up recently, as the guard is at 7.7 points and 3.3 assists a game. The other starting guard is Steven Hollon (2.9 ppg).

Marshall is known as a fast team that loves to press. Drye said the Commandos also thrive on easy baskets.

"Those are the things to be aware of," Drye said. "We need to make sure we get the ball through the press."

This is a matchup the Chargers have anticipated most of the season. They saw back in early December that Marshall was in the same sectional as they were.

Drye knew at the start of the season this ACC squad was special and had the ability to do great things. A conference title, regional crown and record-setting season later, here they are -- in the sectional semifinal.

"This is something we've talked about for a long time," Drye said. "Now we have a shot at (Marshall)."

The winner meets the winner of Wednesday's semifinal between St. Francis and Crane for the sectional title Friday.