CHAMPAIGN — The Goreville Blackcats came up just short in their bid for a 1A State Championship, falling to Chicago Marshall 52-44.

The Blackcats used a 14-4 run to finish the third quarter and start the fourth to build a 41-31 lead, but the Commandos ratcheted up the defensive pressure to close the game scoring 21 of the final 24 points.

Zech Green led Goreville with 13 points. Lawson Land and Nick King added 10 each. Marshall’s Darrin Laye Jr. led all scorers with 30 points to go with 7 rebounds, and 6 steals.

The Blackcats finish 34-5.