Bloom Township senior guard Donald Moore dishes compliments around like he does assists.
The leader of the Blazing Trojans said the big reason for the team's success is everyone working together.
"I have great teammates who can do a lot of things," Moore said. "We are all on the same page and they really make it easier for me because there is not a big burden on me."
What meant was his not having to score a lot. While he averages 14.1 points per game and has put up big numbers, his job is to control the tempo and distribute the ball.
"Henry (Hicks) and L.J. (Johnson) can score as can Johnny (Griffin)," Moore said. "I just get it into them. It is so much easier to be a true point guard when you don't have to worry about scoring 20 points a game."
The Blazing Trojans face Thornton tonight in one semifinal of the Class 4A Lockport Sectional, a team they beat a few weeks ago.
"Thornton is playing good right now," Moore said. "We are going to be in for a tough game and we know we will have to be ready."
Bloom coach Jasper Williams said Moore's biggest attribute is his leadership.
"As a senior, he knows how to handle things out there and keep the team calm if things get rough," Williams said. "He is a leader and he doesn't always look to score and we don't need him to.
"He makes sure everyone else gets involved in the game and does what is best for us."
Moore and his teammates are also aware of the tradition that is Bloom basketball, and what it means to wear a jersey of one the most storied programs in the state.
"You want to give it 110 percent because it is an honor to wear a Bloom jersey," Moore said. "You see on the wall all the great players who played here and you realize what a great tradition and a great program this is."
Another motivation for Moore, who is 6-foot, has been playing against taller and physical guards, and he said he knows he can play at the Division-I level.
"I just go out and play hard and I just want (college) coaches to see that I can play," Moore said.
One thing he worked on more than his leadership skills. He hit the weights in the summer as well as working on his conditioning and court skills.
"I feel I am stronger, especially late in games," Moore said. "You get in a long game, you do not want to get tired."
Please Wait…