For the first time since 2017, the 3A No. 3 Crispus Attucks Tigers are headed to the IHSAA boys basketball state title game. The Tigers started the semi-state round with a 61-55 win over the No. 10 Princeton Tigers. Rebounds were the separator in the win with Attucks winning the glass game 29-16. Offensively, Attucks shot 52 percent from the field to put four players in double-figure scoring. Dezmon Briscoe put together a massive performance with a 13 point, 12 rebound, 10 block triple-double. Che Brownlow added 12 points and 6 rebounds as well as 3 steals on the defensive end. Chris Hurt chipped in 11 and AJ Jones added 10.

Game two of the day saw the Tigers take down the No. 2 ranked New Palestine Dragons in more dominant fashion, 67-49. Attucks shot an overall 68 percent from the floor and pulled down 26 boards to boost the win. Briscoe bounced back for a double-double with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks. AJ Jones shot 2-of-3 from behind the arch on his way to 15 points with 4 assists. Christ Hurt chipped in 12 points with 6 assists and Kayden English added 11 points.

The No. 3 ranked Crispus Attucks Tigers (22-6) will chase the fifth state title in program history against the No. 5 South Bend St. Joseph Huskies (26-3) on March 29 at 6:00 p.m. from Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

– Collin Echols