It was a nail bitter, but in the end top-seeded St. Marys moves on to the Class A state championship game after defeating fourth-seeded Midland Trail 65-62.
The Patriots struck first on offense and led by as many as 14 points in the first half. The Blue Devils worked their way back into the lead with the help of forward KD Arnett, show scored 15 points in the first half and finished the game with 25 points.
The Blue Devils pulled away in the second half and used their fast paced offense to tire out the Patriots and made their free throw when it counted. That would play a key role in the second and is one of the many reasons St. Marys had such a successful season.
This is St. Mary’s first trip to the state championship game in Class A and their first trip to the state finals since 1988 when they lost to Williamson in the Class AA state championship.
Leading the Blue Devils in scoring was Arnett 25 points and teammate Derek Renner added 20. The top scorer for the Patriots was Jordan Burdette with 24 points.
St, Marys will face Charleston Catholic in the Class A State Championship game Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.