Two Illinois prospects make decisions

Marcus Thomas and Travis Marion recently found schools to play at next fall. Thomas and Marion both play region 24 in southern Illinois. Thomas, (SO) 6-foot-2 (200) plays at Danville Area Community College and Marion, (SO) 6-foot-3 (195), is at Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg, IL.

Thomas led Danville to the NJCAA Division two tourney on their home floor this season and a fourth place finish. Thomas hails from Indianapolis, IN and he will take his game to Loyola University in Chicago, IL next fall.

"We're extremely happy for Marcus' decision to attend Loyola next season. He is a perfect example how junior college can benefit a student-athlete. Marcus was an academic qualifier coming out of high school," said Danville Area Community College head coach Mike Carpenter.

Thomas scored over 900 career points and connected on 171 three pointers over two years. Marcus averaged 16.5 ppg this season for the Jaguars. Thomas received interest from Ball State-offered, Evansville-offered, IUPUI-offered and Tennessee Tech-offered according to coach Carpenter. Marcus was a second team All-American and two time All-Region 24 player.

Marion, a small forward, will take his game north a few hours and play at Eastern Illinois University next season. Marion from hails from Aurora, IL.

"Travis will be a good fit for Eastern Illinois University next season," said Southeastern Illinois College coach Todd Franklin. Marion averaged 10.7 ppg, 4.8 rebounds and 3 assists this season for the Falcons.