Experienced STM downs upstart Lusher to reach Division II boys basketball state final

It was a special experience for Lusher Charter.

The Lions reached their first LHSAA final four in the young school’s boys basketball history.

For a while, it appeared that the fourth-seeded Lions might pull an upset but top-seed St. Thomas More pulled away in the second half to down Lusher 51-39 in the Division II semifinals at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles Tuesday evening.

Lusher looked good early, taking a 12-9 lead after one quarter but the Cougars outscored the Lions 12-4 in the second quarter to take a 21-16 halftime lead. Lusher cut the deficit to 32-29 after three quarters but St. Thomas More pulled away in the final quarter for the win.

St. Thomas More is used to being in the state tournament, a fact that head coach Danny Broussard felt benefited his team.

“We feel like if we keep it close, the fourth quarter is going to be ours,” Broussard said. “Our guys know how to weather the storm.”

The Lions were victimized by 20 turnovers.

Cameron Williams led Lusher (20-10) with 16 points while Ryan Theard added 13 points, 11 rebounds, five steals and three assists in a complete effort.

As usual, star Jonathan Cisse led the Cougars (27-8) with 20 points while William Kramer had 11 and Jude Joseph finished with 10.

“I thought our guys played really hard,” Lusher head coach Hunter Higgins said. “We were right there for three quarters and we played great but we turned the ball over a little too much and that hurt us. I don’t think the moment was too big for us.”

St. Thomas More advances to take on University Lab in the championship game Friday night at 8 p.m. The second-seeded Cubs overcame third-seed and defending Division II champion De La Salle 64-59.

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