Joseph, Thompson play reserve role in West’s victory at McDonald’s All-American game

By Ryan Greene

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 | 11 p.m.

With a Thursday trip to Baltimore awaiting them for the ESPN Rise National High School Invitational, Findlay Prep products Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph saw limited work in Wednesday's McDonald's All-American game in Columbus, Ohio.

Still, they will meet up with their Pilot teammates in Charm City fresh off a victory in the annual prep hoops showcase.

Brandon Knight, who Rivals.com ranks as the top overall prospect in the 2010 class, hit a game-winning 3-pointer with four seconds left at Value City Arena to give the West squad a 107-104 victory.

Joseph and Thompson, who lead the Pilots into action Thursday in Baltimore as the No. 2 seed in an eight-team field, each took reserve roles in Columbus.

Joseph scored two points on 1-of-6 shooting, adding on two assists, two rebounds and two steals in 14 minutes. Thompson played 17 minutes, threw down three dunks and finished with eight points on 4-of-7 shooting. Thompson also pulled down five rebounds.

Joseph won the McDonald's All-American 3-point competition on Monday night.

Thompson long has been the centerpiece of Texas's 2010 recruiting class, while Joseph, who Rivals has as the No. 7 prospect in the 2010 crop, is still undecided. He's expected to choose after the conclusion of Findlay's season between UNLV, Villanova, UConn, Texas and Minnesota.

The Pilots will play at 5 p.m. Thursday on ESPNU against Charlotte (N.C.) Christian. A win could pit them against Oak HIll (Va.) Academy in Friday's semifinals.

Findlay defeated Oak Hill in the title game of last year's inaugural ESPN Rise tournament.

For full coverage of Findlay's run for a second consecutive national title, stay tuned to lasvegassun.com.