It looked good through three quarters for Rochester in Saturday’s sectional semifinal.
The Zebras held a 32-27 lead going into the final eight minutes. That was when Lewis Cass turned up defensive pressure and dominated the final quarter by a 6-11 margin on the way to a win, 54-43.
The Kings (17-7) were led by shooting Tyson Good’s 17 points. Cass connected on 14-for-19 free throws in the final period.
Cass outscored Rochester 19-7 at the free throw line.
Rochester’s Paul Leasure was held without a field goal and didn’t score until two free throws in the fourth period. Aidan Smith picked up the slack with a team-high 15 points.
Rochester ended the season with an 11-10 record.
Lewis Cass advanced to Monday’s sectional championship game at Rochester to play Wabash (17-6). In Friday’s other semifinal, the Apaches jumped on Winamac for a 14-3 first quarter lead and cruised to the win, 48-15.
Grant Ford topped Wabash with 11 points.
The winner of Monday’s Rochester 2A sectional championship will advance to the North Judson regional and play the 11th-ranked Bluejays (23-3) on their home floor.