“I thought we didn’t D it up in the first half. And a large part of that is a credit to coach Cone and Alexandria with their back cuts and their execution,” said AHS boys coach Ron Hecklinski. “I felt our offense came easy and we just wanted to play offense. We need to get back to playing both phases of basketball, offense and defense.”

Alexandria got 20 points from Matt Johnson to lead the Tigers’ scoring. Zach Yeagy added 18 points. Bobby Yeagy chipped in with 12 points.

Anderson shot 35-of-66 from the floor; included in that was a 9-of-19 performance from 3-point range. The Indians won the battle on the boards 34-31.

Alexandria converted 22-of-46 field goals and 17 out of 26 free throws.

The Anderson teams will now turn their attention to their respective go-arounds with the cross-town rivals.

“I thought that the semifinal would be a tough game either way,” said Harrison. “But I’m happy to be playing Highland.”

“I’m glad we’re playing Highland,” said Hecklinski. “Anytime we get to play Highland, I’m pumped up and our players will be pumped up for them.”