By: Evan Rogers
The third semifinal contest of the day featured a pair of out-of-state schools in Don Bosco and Centennial. The Ironmen jumped out to a double-digit lead quickly, as Don Bosco leaned on the play of 2023 Noah Barnett and 2024 Dylan Harper. Centennial would not score until midway throughout the quarter, but a buzzer-beater 3-pointer for the Huskies would cut Don Bosco’s lead to eight heading into the second period. The Huskies would claw back in the following quarter as 2023 Jared McCain began to find his groove. The Duke commit’s crafty play around the rim helped inch Centennial within one possession midway through the second. But Harper would respond with a run of his own — that featured a dazzling floater and 3-pointer — to give the Ironmen a 34-29 lead at the half.
Out of the break, the Ironmen exploded from behind the arc. The three-point barrage was led by Harper — who continued to bury 3-pointers with ease — but 2024 Isaiah Brown also joined the mix for Don Bosco. A Brown 3-pointer midway through the third quarter extended Don Bosco’s lead to 12 points. However, the Huskies would continue to battle, as Centennial’s physical play cut its deficit to five points. The Huskies continued their late push into the final period, as a 2024 Eric Freeny steal and pair of free throws would trim further into Don Bosco’s lead. After a 2023 Aaron McBride 3-pointer tied the game up at 63, a pair of Harper free throws would be the difference in the Ironmen’s 65-63 win.
Don Bosco 65 — Centennial 63
Don Bosco: Dylan Harper 28 pts, 7 reb/ Isaiah Brown 22 pts
Centennial: Eric Freeny 19 pts/ Aaron McBride 15 pts/ Jared McCain 11 pts, 11 reb