On Thursday night, the Crusaders survived a gritty performance by the St. Augustine Purple Knights and held on for a 33-32 overtime victory in the Division I state semifinals. With about a minute and a half left in overtime, the Crusaders found themselves tied at 32. Coach Chris Biehl elected to have the team hold the ball for the last shot. With 0.3 seconds left, Vejon Wallis was fouled and sent to the free throw line with a chance to win the game. Wallis calmly made one of two free throws to seal the victory and send the Crusaders back to the finals. Wallis led all scorers with 15 points and dominated down low by grabbing 13 rebounds. Also scoring in double figures for the Crusaders was Tré Swilling with 10 points.
Other contributors were Bruce Jordan-Swilling (three points), Tyler Epps (two points), Davonn “Peanut” Moore (two points), and Jeremy Singleton (one point).
The Crusaders will play Scotlandville on Saturday night from Lake Charles for the state championship. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.
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In addition, congratulations to Tré Swilling and Vejon Wallis of the Crusader basketball teamon being named to the 2017 Clarion Herald’s Elite Boys’ basketball team.
