Southwood entered as the favorite with a 20-3 record. LCC put its 16-year sectional title streak on the line with a 14-9 record.
Lafayette Central Catholic couldn’t have hoped for a better start. LCC jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the first 90 seconds. But Southwood showed its toughness by answering right back. Peyton Trexler wasn’t going to let his team go quietly. They took the lead late in the first quarter.
Turnovers really hurt LCC in the second quarter. The officials were letting everything go in the first half. The contact didn’t contribute to Central Catholic’s turnovers. Trexler and Carson Blair led the way for Southwood in a hectic, physical first half. Trexler scored 13 in the first half while Blair had eight points. David Schwartz and Jonah Switzer converted well around the rim off of Carson Barrett’s feeds like they have all season long. Barrett had nine rebounds and six assists in the first half.
The pace didn’t slow in the second half. Carson Blair connected on a deep three-pointer of f a drag screen to extend Southwood’s lead to 10 points. LCC stayed in the game through great passing and finishing at the basket.
Midway through the fourth quarter Southwood led by one when Dallas Holmes blocked a Switzer attempt at the rim. Peyton Trexler scored through contact to extend the lead to three with a couple minutes to play. Trexler made another huge play when he stole an LC pass and took it the distance with under a minute to play.
LCC’s inability to make outside shots limited them, especially when they were down late. Barrett was great but was gassed by the end of the third. Southwood sealed it at the line for the 70-66 victory.
Peyton Trexler led Southwood with 27 points. Carson Blair added 18. Dallas Holmes tallid 11 pointed and seven rebounds. Mathew Nose contributed nine.
Carson Barrett was fantastic. The sophomore finished with 11 points, 17 rebounds, and nine assists. Jonah Switzer scored 30. David Schwartz added 22. Andrew Page had three points and four assists as well.
LCC’s 16-year sectional title streak was snapped with the loss.
Southwood plays Frontier Saturday for the sectional championship.