Lafayette Central Catholic and Gary 21^st Century Charter met in the first game of the day at Lafayette Jeff with a chance to go to the class A state finals on the line.

Both teams were known as subpar shooting teams entering the semi-state, and the teams lived up to the reputations early. It took over three minutes for the first points to be scored. Tyler Powers came off the bench to hit a couple of threes late in the first period for LCC. His shooting pushed LCC to a 14-8 lead after one.

Freshman Carson Barrett emerged in the second quarter. The Knights used Barrett as a primary ball-handler against the pressure of 21^st Century. He did an excellent job of protecting the ball while finding teammates for open looks. His overall game was strong in the first half – eight points, five rebounds, three assists.

LCC started to pull away in the third quarter. The Knights used run-outs on turnovers, and even made baskets, to get Ben Tharp open layups. The lead swelled to 22 points in the fourth quarter.

As it looked like LCC would cruise to a victory, Gary 21^st made a surge. The Cougars turned up the pressure and forced LCC into numerous turnovers. At the same time, 21^st Century started to make some jump shots for the first time in the game. The LCC lead was slashed to 10 points with 3:49 to play.

Gary came up empty on the next couple possessions. The Cougars were never able to get within 12 points the rest of the way. LCC made enough free throws to ice the game away.

Lafayette Central Catholic advanced to the class A state finals with a 77-59 victory. Freshman Carson Barrett led the way with 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Ben Tharp added 16 points and eight rebounds.

Junior DeAndre Gholston tallied 20 points and 14 rebounds in the loss. Freshman Johnell Davis added 18 points for Gary 21^st Century.