Friday at Williams Arena in Minneapolis the top-seeded Cherry boys basketball team defeated fifth seeded Nevis 76-58 in the Class A state semifinals earning their ticket to the championship game.

The Tigers outshot Nevis 38-23 in the first half and 38-35 in the second half. Four Tigers breached double digits, with Isaac Asuma leading the team recording 20 points and seven rebounds. Noah Asuma also scored 20 points, while Isaiah Asuma tallied 14 points, and Carson Brown had 13 points. Nevis was led by Alex Lester with 18 points and eight rebounds.

“Slowing down their big guy, covering some of their shooters, and taking care of the ball offensively. The expectation was to win a state championship. That’s been the goal the last two seasons, we haven’t gotten that done but this year it’s different. We’re down here to get it done and we’re finally going to get it,” senior Isaac Asuma said in a post-game interview.

Earning their 23rd straight win Cherry improves to 30-2. They advance to the Class A championship game Saturday at 11 a.m. at Williams Arena. They will face Fertile-Beltrami who defeated West Central Area 84-75 in triple overtime in their semifinal.

This is the first time in their three straight state runs that Cherry has made it past the semifinals. The last two seasons they finished in fourth place.

For the full Class A bracket, Click Here.

How to watch:

• Semifinal and championship games will be televised on WDIO2 MeTV. For other ways to watch, Click here.

RELATED STORY: No. 1 Cherry boys basketball upends defending champs Russell-Tyler-Ruthton in Class A quarterfinals.