COLLINSVILLE, IL -- The only time the Collierville High School men's basketball team trailed the Triad Knights in their Prairie Farms Holiday Classic opener on Wednesday was at the 7:01 mark in the 1st quarter. That is when the team that's known for their defensive pressure and chaos creation decided to flip the switch. A recently approved shot clock for the tournament would prove to be an advantage for the fast-paced Dragons. Collierville would build a comfortable double digit lead, 14-3, at the end of the first eight minutes of play.

6'8 center Elijah Lussier caught scouts eyes in the second quarter with moves inside the paint and his soft touch near the basket. He would finish with 11 points.

Senior guard TJ McNeal had 12 points and would lead the team in rebounds (5) and assists (7). Alex Vandenbergh was the high scorer with 15 points and was, without doubt, the most physical player on the court.

Sophomore sharp shooter Webb Thomas connected on two vital three-pointers from behind the arc and tallied 8 points in an all-around team effort win.

With the win, Collierville accomplished goal no. 1 of tournament play by advancing to the right side of the bracket. It also sets up, what should be, an exciting brand of basketball in the second round between the Dragons and a traditional Illinois powerhouse - the Quincy Blue Devils.

The second round match-up has a tip-off time set for 2:30pm at Collinsville High School's Vergil Fletcher Gymnasium. The game will be live streamed on YouTube and the Kahok Sports Network.

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