Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central

JACKSONVILLE — “He’s heating up!”

It’s a familiar phrase from the popular video game NBA Jam when a player hits a couple of shots in a row. Well it certainly was applicable Monday night to Goreville senior Garrett Church.

Church was full fledged fireball in the second half of the Jacksonville 1A Supersectional, leading the Blackcats to a 60-43 win over Routt Catholic to earn a spot in the state semifinals. After a scoreless first half, Church hit seven three-pointers in the second half helping Goreville break open a close game.

The Blackcats led 22-20 at the half, then Church hit four threes in the third quarter, part of a 17-2 run on the way to a 39-25 lead heading to the fourth.

Church then stomped on any Routt hopes of a comeback with three more threes in first 2:40 of the fourth quarter as Goreville extended its lead to 21 before coasting to the 17-point win. When the dust settled, Church had splashed seven threes in a little more than 10 and a half minutes of game time.

Church finished with a game high 21 points. Nick King added 10 for victorious Blackcats. Lawson Land scored four points, but filled up the stat sheet with 16 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.

Bryson Mossman led Routt with 16 points.

Goreville improves to 33-4. Up next will be a rematch with Lawrenceville (34-2) in the first 1A semifinal Thursday morning at 10:00 at the State Farm Center in Champaign. The Blackcats beat the Indians 50-45 February 7th at the Rich Herrin Classic in Benton.