Boys Basketball: Thornwood has room to improve

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Updated: February 19, 2012 8:12AM

Most coaches would be very pleased with an 11-5 record.

Thornwood coach Paul Slavich, however, sees room for improvement from his talented squad.

“We could be doing better,” Slavich said. “If we would improve our fundamentals, we could have a much better record.”

Case in point, the 26 turnovers the Thunderbirds committed during a loss to Homewood-Flossmoor. Another example was during a triple-overtime defeat to Crete-Monee, when the Thunderbirds failed to come up with key rebounds.

Thornwood boasts two of the area’s top players in seniors Darrell Combs and Khapri Alston.

Combs, averaging 12 points per game, already has committed to Loyola University. He’s been somewhat inconsistent, but has improved his play as of late.

The 6-foot-3 Alston is averaging 13 points and 9 rebounds, including a number of double-doubles this season.

“I think Darrell has been a little stressed, but he’s starting to come around,” Slavich said. “We’ve talked to him about stepping up more and the last few games he’s played better.”

Alston has been a force all season.

“Khapri is a 6-3 big man who plays like he’s 6-7,” Slavich said. “He’s a beast on the boards. Nobody has slowed him down.”

Slavich praised senior Johnte Shannon, who’s averaging 12.1 points per game.

“Johnte gets overlooked, but he plays good defense and rebounds really well for a kid who is 5-10,” Slavich said. “He can fill it up, too. He has a couple of near 30-point games for us.”

Thornwood faces a big test Friday when No. 1 Andrew comes to town for a South Suburban Red showdown.

Crete-Monee coming along

Crete-Monee bounced back from a loss Friday to Bloom with a solid six-point win Monday over Mount Carmel.

Warriors coach Tom Cappel likes the way his team (12-4) is starting to play.

“Overall, I think we’re starting to jell,” Cappel said. “We’re getting more experience playing together. I still think there’s room for improvement.”

While senior Michael Orris and juniors LaQuon Treadwell and Marvie Keith have been integral to the Warriors’ success, the play of Marius Hopkins and Jordan Perry has impressed Cappel.

“Marius has done a terrific job and Jordan has done a great job in the middle,” Cappel said.