Opening day overview
By Drake Skleba
The opening day of the 2009 Laurich Christmas Classic featured a competive game, a blow out, a second-half explosion and a nailbiter.
Marmion Academy got things started with a 54-38 victory over Kankakee. Naperville North crushed Al Raby of Chicago 56-23. Plainfield Central and Aurora Central played a tight first half before Plainfield Central blew out the Chargers in
the second half for an 85-59 win.
The last game of the day was the best. Glenbard North led 54-38 after three quarters, but had to hang on. Waubonsie Valley closed to 61-59 with 11 ticks on the clock. Senior G James Fleming knocked down two clutch free throws to preserve the 63-59 victory.
The tournament consists of eight teams in two four-team pools. Round-robin play continues in each pool through Wednesday. Saturday night the champions of each pool will play for the tournament title.
Green Division: Waubonsie Valley; Plainfield Central; Glenbard North; Aurora Central.
Gold Division: Naperville North; Raby; Kankakee; Marmion Academy.
