LaSalle moves on to the D-I State Championship Game

In the postgame interview LaSalle interim head coach Pat Goedde and head coach Dan Fleming talked with reporters about the motto of Lasalle being to "play until the final buzzer, no matter what" and how the Lancer's "pride themsevles on toughness and their ability to fight through adversity"; that's exactly what it took for them to get the win in their State Semi-Final Game.

LaSalle 48 Toledo Central Catholic 46: An unlikely hero emerged in this one; Brandon Neel's driving shot came off the backboard and senior wing Matt Woeste (who's hustle CPHR has commended all year) was there to tip it in as time expired to give LaSalle a two point win and prevent  a second half collapse. After TCC started the game with a 90 second possession followed by an uncontested layup the Lancer coaches figured out a way to speed the Irish up and take control of the game. LaSalle raced out to a 22-12 halftime lead behind their great press and 16 points off of turnovers. Ryan Fleming, who finished with 11 points, was able to connect on two big three balls during the run. In the second half TCC, who is also extremely well coached, slowly came back by giving LaSalle trouble with some pressure of their own and having some shots from sophomore guard Cliff Bussey and sophomore wing Deonta Cole fall through. The lead was traded back and forth in the final quarter as Brandon Neel refused to allow LaSalle to go down. Neel was relentless in attacking the rim, as he has been all tourney, and scored on a variety of moves near the rim. For the game Brandon scored 23 points, a game high. Ryan Fleming gave CPHR some of his thoughts after the game:

The Lancer's advance to play the winner of tonight's matchup between Garfield Heights and Columbus Northland in the State Championship game. Check back into CPHR tonight for a preview of the DI and DIII title games, let's hope our hometown boys can take care of business tomorrow!