FORT COLLINS, Colo.—Taylor Broekhuis had 21 points and nine rebounds as Colorado Springs Christian defeated defending champion Eaton 57-53 in the semifinals of the Class 3A boys state basketball tournament Friday night.
Matt Baarts also had 10 points and nine boards for Colorado Springs Christian (23-3). The Lions are winners of 23 of their last 24 and have placed fourth in the state the past two years.
Cody Ball and Lance Korell had 17 points each for Eaton (24-2). The Reds had won 21 in a row.
The two teams were tied at 16 in the first quarter. Broekhuis had nine points for Colorado Springs Christian in the quarter.
Ball’s jumper gave Eaton a brief 18-16 lead early in the second quarter before Colorado Springs Christian took control. Mark Kiemel had two baskets as Colorado Springs Christian outscored Eaton 12-6 over the final 6:30 of the first half for a 28-22 lead.
Ball hit a short jumper to give Eaton its first lead of the second half, 36-35. Mike Shugart had four points in the last 1:58 of the third quarter to put Colorado Springs Christian ahead 43-40.
Eaton never led in the fourth quarter, but Kade Merritt’s 3-pointer tied it at 46 for them with 5:43 to play. The Reds didn’t score for another three minutes and Broekhuis scored three points over the span to build a 54-46 advantage.
Shugart sealed the win with a basket and free throw with 34 seconds remaining.
Colorado Springs Christian will play Faith Christian for the state championship on Saturday. Faith Christian defeated Aspen 52-34.
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