No. 3 seed Southwest built and early lead then held on late to upset No. 2 Lamar in the Class 3 District 12 semifinals.
The Trojans jumped out to a 22-14 lead after one quarter and a 41-34 lead at the half. Lamar began to work its way back into the game with a 22-16 advantage in the third quarter to cut Southwest’s lead to one point at 57-56 after three quarters.
Southwest knocked down five-of-seven free throws in the fourth quarter to hold on for the three-point win.
The Trojans were led by Lucas Paulsen’s 22 points. Zak Corwin (16 points) and Brendyn Paulsen (14 points) also scored in double figures for Southwest.
Ian Ngugi led all scorers with 26 points for Lamar.
Southwest will face top seed Stockton for the Class 3 District 12 championship at 6 pm on Friday at Diamond.
Southwest – 22-19-16-15 — 72
Lamar – 14-20-22-13 — 69
S: Lucas Paulsen 22, Zak Corwin 16, Brendyn Paulsen 14, Jesse Holder 7, Brandon Brooks 6, Kenneth Pippin 4, Coy Shrum 2, Caleb Ayer 1
L: Ian Ngugi 26, Austin Wilkerson 12, Alex Wilkerson 11, Cameron Sturgell 8, Talon Timmons 4, Jase Dillon 4, Jaxon Hearod 2, Joel Beshore 2
