Chick-fil-A Classic
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009
Game 24 Summary

COLUMBIA _ Atlanta’s Westlake High coach Darron Rogers said he entered his team in his team in this year’s Chick-fil-A Classic to see how it would measure up on a national level.

He got his answer.

Westlake’s Marcus Thornton and Tony Jacobs each scored 13 points to lead the Lions to a 53-47 win over Rice High in the Classic I final Tuesday. Thornton was named the Classic I bracket’s most valuable player and the Lions proved they could play against some of the best teams in the nation.

Rice finished last season nationally ranked and Rogers and his team knew it.

“When we found out that Rice was in it and Lexington Catholic, we had to be in it as well,” he said. “Rice has a really good program and we have the upmost respect for that team and the coaching staff. We knew that a lot of good players come out of New York and we wanted to gain some little respect from the South.”

And his team showed up big, forcing Rice to shoot 29 percent from the field. The Lions, meanwhile, shot 58 percent from the field in the second half and 51 for the game.

“I hope this game will let our team know that they have the potential to be good.” Rogers said. “If they continue to work hard, to listen to the coaches, they can do things. I came here wanting them to face a little adversity and to help Marcus get some national recognition because he’s wasn’t as known on a national level. I think we did that.”

Jeff Newberry and Ronnie Harris each added 11 points as Westlake improved to 11-0.

Kadeem Jack led Rice (4-1) with 14 points.