Basketball Hall of Fame

Manual completed its unprecedented four-year run of IHSA Class AA Basketball Tournament Championships at Peoria’s Carver Arena. After defeating Thornton of Harvey in the two previous championship tilts, the Rams downed the previously undefeated Wildcats, 65-62, in an epic semifinal matchup.  Manual then defeated West Aurora, 47-43 for the title. Coached by Wayne McClain, the Rams finished the season as the No. 1-ranked team in the nation by USA Today.  They posted a 31-1 record, losing only to Chicago Carver when All-State and McDonald’s All-America selection Marcus Griffin was sidelined with an injury.  The Rams completed the “Four-Peat” era with a combined record of 121-11 and a perfect 32-0 record in Class AA State Tournament competition.  Sergio McClain, a starter for all four of the championship teams, was selected Mr. Basketball by coaches and media throughout the state.