SAINT XAVIER 72, FREDERICK DOUGLASS 55

The 2nd ranked Saint Xavier Tigers (8-0) secured their first-ever appearance in the Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass championship with a commanding 72-55 victory over 11th ranked Frederick Douglass (5-2) in the semifinals. Will Hanke led the way with 15 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, earning Central Bank Player of the Game honors. The Tigers also became .

The Tigers started strong, holding the Broncos to just 11 points in each of the first two quarters. Saint Xavier’s defense, led by Hanke and Jeremiah Jackson, forced 13 turnovers in the first half, converting them into 13 points. Offensively, Hanke was efficient, scoring six points and grabbing four rebounds by halftime.

Saint Xavier built a 16-11 lead in the first quarter, thanks to sharp shooting from Chance Dillingham and Graham Krezmien. Dillingham added a three-pointer early in the second quarter, while Jackson contributed with a fast-break layup. The Tigers closed the half on a 19-11 run to lead 35-22 at the break.

Saint Xavier extended their lead in the third quarter with a balanced offensive attack. Hanke scored six points in the period, including a putback and a mid-range jumper. Dillingham, who finished with 10 points, hit a clutch three-pointer to help the Tigers outscore the Broncos 24-16 in the quarter. The Tigers’ rebounding dominance (38-24 overall) was critical, as they limited Frederick Douglass to just five second-chance points.

Despite a strong effort from DeMarcus Surratt, who led the Broncos with 16 points and two steals, Frederick Douglass struggled to keep pace. Jaunte Jenkins added 10 points for the Broncos, but their 40.7% shooting and 46.7% free throw percentage hindered their ability to close the gap.

Saint Xavier maintained control in the fourth quarter, with Hanke adding three points and another assist. Jackson finished with 11 points, including a crucial putback late in the game, while Krezmien’s three-pointer midway through the period put the game out of reach. The Tigers outscored the Broncos 13-11 in the final frame to secure the 17-point win.

Hanke’s all-around performance (15 points, eight rebounds, three assists) anchored the Tigers, while Jackson contributed 11 points and five rebounds. Dillingham added 10 points, and Krezmien scored 10 points with two three-pointers. The Tigers shot an efficient 50.9% from the field and hit eight three-pointers, including six in the second half.

For Frederick Douglass, Surratt led the way with 16 points, while Jenkins chipped in 10 points and two steals. However, the Broncos were plagued by turnovers (13 total) and poor shooting from beyond the arc (4-of-17).

With this victory, Saint Xavier advances to their first-ever KOB championship, where they'll be the first Louisville school in the finals since 2019. They will meet the winner of North Oldham vs. Bryant (AR) at 7:30pm Sunday. Frederick Douglass moves to the 3rd Place Final where they'll meet the North Oldham-Bryant loser at 6:00pm Sunday.

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