The top-seeded, defending Class A champion Cherry boys basketball team defeated Nevis in the Minnesota state semifinal Friday, and are now looking to repeat in the championship game on Saturday. In the showdown of the two Tigers, Cherry came out on top in a close game winning 79-70 at Williams Arena in Minneapolis.

Nevis outshot Cherry 39-38 in the first half, but Cherry came out firing in the second putting up 41 points to Nevis’ 31. Carson Brown led Cherry with 22 points and eight rebounds, while Noah Sundquist posted 17 points and 13 rebounds, with Isaiah Asuma adding 16 points. Nevis’ AJ Bessler led the game with 39 points.

The Cherry Tigers, making their fourth straight state trip, now look to claim back-to-back Class A titles. No. 1 Cherry, now 31-1 overall, will next tipoff against No. 2 Dawson-Boyd (29-3) in the championship game.

Tip-off is Saturday, March 22 at 11 a.m. at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. For the full Class A bracket, Click here.

RELATED STORIES:

• No. 1 Cherry boys basketball dominates Class A quarterfinal to advance in state tournament
• Cherry boys basketball secures 4th straight Section 7A title with win over Deer River