Thornton's Cameli thriving on aid from ex-rival Tokars

They met in preparation for the heat of battle, and now they sitside by side during battle.

In 1983, then De La Salle coach Jerry Tokars scouted Thorntoncoach Sam Cameli's team relentlessly. Nearly every Saturday nightwhen De La Salle wasn't playing, Tokars scouted Thornton because heknew his team probably would meet Cameli's team in the statetournament.

Finally, they met, but not on the floor. Cameli approachedTokars after a game and said: "Jerry, what are you doing in my gymall the time? You know my team better than I do."

When they met, it was at the Hinsdale Central supersectional andthe chance to go Downstate. When Tokars arrived that night, …