The Trojans' C.J. Paquin drains a three-point field goal, as referee Bob Lee checks to verify he is behind the three-point arc on the floor, during the final two minutes of the third quarter against Gaylord St. Mary. The Cedarville Trojans were hitting on all cylinders with their defense and offense reaching the regional title game with an 82-74 win over the Gaylord St. Mary Snowbirds Monday, March 3, in St. Ignace.

"We had a good balance in scoring and everyone received tournament playing time," said Trojans Coach David Duncan. "We hustled at both ends of the court, and that is what we will need during our tourney run."

Twelve players scored for the Trojans, with four in double figures.

Cedarville raced out to a 14-1 lead before Gaylord St. Mary scored its first field goal at the 1:45 mark. The Trojans held an 18-6 lead after the first eight minutes.

The Snowbirds made five two-pointers in the second quarter, but Cedarville answered with seven field goals, including four triples, to extend its lead to 39-16 at halftime as C.J. Paquin scored 11 points, Jason and Jordan Duncan added eight each, and Sheldon Tassier chipped in seven.

Jason Duncan (20) drains a two-pointer over Ben Richard (33) during the first half of the Trojans' win over the Cougars. Tassier scored 11 points in the third quarter as Cedarville outscored Gaylord St. Mary 25-13 to increase the advantage to 64-29, prompting Coach Duncan to go to his bench.

With the substitutes on the floor, the Trojans held an 18-5 scoring edge in the final eight minutes.

Cedarville recorded 31 field goals, nine triples, and made 11 of 15 from the free throw line. Gaylord St. Mary made 12 field goals, three treys, and made 4 of 7 from the free throw line.

Trojans statistics: Sheldon Tassier, 18 points; C.J. Paquin, 16 points; Jordan Duncan, 14 points; Kevin Thompson, eight points; Jason Duncan, seven points; Andrew Jaroche, five points; James Mitchell, four points; Cody Thompson, three points; Scott McGreevy, Zach McFarlane, Taylor Smith, two points; Luke Murray, one point.

Kevin Thompson (12) scores a short jumper during the first quarter for Cedarville. Snowbirds statistics: Alvin Sitkiewicz, 12 points; Brett Bauer, seven points; Austin Lawnichak, five points; Aaron Burzynski, five points; Steven Forcier, three points; Matt Foser, two points.

The Trojans' Jordan Duncan (23) scores a running jump shot over Kyle Maki (5) of Superior Central during the second half.