CHAMPAIGN — Troy Garner is still the new guy at Rich Township. Garner, who transferred from Marian Catholic, did not join the Raptors until midseason.
The 6-foot-3 junior forward had to work his way into a role on the team. When his playing time increased in the postseason, Garner was prepared to make an impact.
“Coach Lou (Adams) has my back 100% every time,” Garner said. “He tells me to stay ready, and the motor in me never stops.”
Garner got his chance to shine on the biggest stage Friday night. He took advantage of over 20 minutes of playing time, finishing with six points, six rebounds and three blocked shots.
His performance was one of the few bright spots on a rough night for Rich Township, which dropped a 66-49 decision to Warren in a Class 4A state semifinal at the State Farm Center.
Jayden Williams scored 18 points and Al Brooks Jr. finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Raptors (25-9), who play Evanston (30-6) at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the third-place game. Nyshawn Turner added seven points.
Jamson Coulter, Rich Township’s second-leading scorer behind Brooks, left Friday’s game midway through the first quarter with an apparent injury and never returned.
Jaxson Davis, a star sophomore guard with offers from several high-major colleges, was terrific for Warren (28-10), which advanced to take on Benet (32-5) in the state final at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Davis finished with 27 points, seven steals and five rebounds. Javerion Banks came off the bench to provide 14 points and six rebounds, while Jack Wolf added 10 points and six rebounds.
“I saw them a few times but I didn’t know they were that good,” Adams said of Warren. “I think that was the best game they’ve played all year. We didn’t play that bad, but they really played good basketball.”
Garner, meanwhile, did his best to keep the Raptors in the game, providing a steady presence inside on both the offensive and defensive ends.
While Garner was happy to get a bigger opportunity Friday night, he said he’s been fine with whatever role Rich Township has needed from him.
“First and foremost, I’m extremely thankful for coach Lou welcoming me on the team,” Garner said. “That’s my guy there. Playing a big role means nothing to me. I have no problem rebounding and getting my points off rebounds. These are the guys I like to play for.”
The Raptors, who never led in the game, were within 36-31 at halftime, but Davis scored eight points in the third quarter as the Blue Devils began to pull away.
By early in the fourth, it was a double-digit deficit that Rich Township couldn’t overcome.
Coulter’s absence was certainly felt.
“It changed a lot because Jamson is one of the biggest key players we have on the team,” Williams said. “While he was out, we tried to pick him back up and tried to move pieces while we continued the game. I wish he was out there with us.”
The Raptors were playing at state for the first time since the district combined into one athletic program. The only time a school in the district had previously made it to state in boys basketball was in the 1985-86 season when Rich Central finished as the Class AA runner-up.
Adams, who won three state titles as the coach at Orr, knows how special of a run it has been.
“I couldn’t be more proud of these guys,” Adams said. “I’ve been here seven times and won three, but this time has been the best time because we’ve got a group of guys who put us on their back and tried to put the program and the community in the right direction.
“And I think they did that.”
