Jason Duncan (20) attempts a three-pointer over Evan Bruinsma (24) during the first half. "Two great teams played tonight," said Cedarville Coach David Duncan during the press conference after his Trojans fell to Muskegon West Michigan Christian Warriors 77-65 in the Class D state semifinals at Michigan State University Breslin Center Thursday, March 13.

The disappointing setback for the defending state champions ends a 51-game winning streak that started with 26 games during the 2006-07 season and continued with the first 25 games of the 2007-08 campaign.

The Trojans outscored the Warriors 61-53 from the field, while the Warriors held a decisive 24-4 scoring advantage from the free throw line. Cedarville scored 28 field goals, five triples, and made four of 12 from the free throw line. The Warriors made 25 field goals, three triples, and made 24 of 32 from the free throw line.

The Warriors literally towered over the Trojans, having two 6'6" tall players and one 6'7" tall player. C.J. Paquin, at 6'3," is the tallest player for the Trojans.

Kevin Thompson (12) of Cedarville scores a first-quarter two-pointer against Eric Prins (10) of Muskegon West Michigan Christian. "Their size, and half court defense, was a big factor," said Coach Duncan. "I am proud of my players and their gutsy effort. Not many teams win 51 consecutive games. When these players have their grandchildren on their laps, they can tell them that they were part of two final four appearances and a state championship team. That is special."

The Warriors held a 51-48 scoring edge after three quarters before C.J. Paquin opened the final eight minutes with a triple. Kevin Thompson followed with a two-point basket to give Cedarville a 53-51 lead at the 6:55 mark.

Thompson scored 25 points and Paquin added 22 points to lead the Trojans, while Nate Bruinsma led the Warriors with a game-high 29 points that included eight from the free throw line in the fourth quarter.

The Warriors took the lead for good at 57-55 with 5:26 remaining in the game and outscored Cedarville 20-10 down the stretch, with 13 points coming from the free throw line to secure the win.

The coaching minds of the Trojans varsity basketball program include (from left) David Duncan, Kurt Duncan, Scott Barr, and team manager Joey Duncan. "The seniors, Jason and Jordan Duncan, Kevin and Cody Thompson, and Sheldon Tassier, gave their hearts and souls for this team and program," said the coach. "This is going to be a tough group of players to say thank you and goodbye to."

The Warriors held a 15-12 lead after the first eight minutes before Jordan Duncan and C.J. Paquin scored to open the second quarter and give Cedarville its first lead at 16-15.

The Warriors scored at 6:40, followed by a 7-2 run by the Trojans for a 23-19 lead at the 4:30 mark, as Kevin Thompson scored four, C.J. Paquin added two, and Jason Duncan chipped in one.

With Cedarville leading by three, and with two minutes left in the first half, the Warriors scored the final five points of the second quarter to take a 30-28 lead into halftime.

"We felt pretty good about trailing by just two points at halftime, considering we shot 31 percent (14-of-44) overall from the field," said Coach Duncan.

Cedarville Trojans cheerleaders at the Breslin Center during the Class D semifinals are (from left) Casey Hakola, Kate Koster, Tayler Hecht, Audrey Koster, and Abbey Izzard. Fouls started to mount for Cedarville as Kevin Thompson and C.J. Paquin picked up three fouls in the third quarter. The Warriors took advantage and extended their lead to 47-39 at the 2:43 mark.

The Trojans turned up the defensive pressure that produced a 9-0 scoring run for the offense and a 48-47 lead as C.J. Paquin scored five and Jordan Duncan and Kevin Thompson notched two. The Warriors answered with four points to close the quarter and take a 51-48 scoring edge in the final eight minutes.

The Warriors out-rebounded the Trojans 41-33, while Cedarville held a 17-6 lead in assists and 15-12 in steals.

Cedarville shot 40.6% from two-point range and 20% from three-point land. The Warriors connected on 49% from the twopoint area, 27% from the threepoint arc, and 75% from the free throw line.

Coach David Duncan talks strategy during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Warriors. Coach David Duncan has compiled a 273-147 overall record during the 18 years with the Trojans varsity program, that includes one Class D state championship, two final four appearances, and six quarterfinal contests.

Trojans statistics: Kevin Thompson, 25 points, four assists, three rebounds; C.J. Paquin, 22 points, five assists, four rebounds, three steals; Jordan Duncan, 10 points, four rebounds, four steals; Jason Duncan, six points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals; Sheldon Tassier, two points, five rebounds, three steals.

Warriors statistics: Nate Bruinsma, 29 points, 13 rebounds; Charlie VanRees, 17 points, seven rebounds; Tim Dunning, 12 points; Eric Prins, 11 points; Evan Bruinsma, six points; Demaro Harris, two points.

Tournament Notes

Three teams represented the Upper Peninsula in the 2008 semifinals, the final four, as the Cedarville Trojans in Class D, Negaunee Miners in Class C, and Menominee Maroons in Class B made the trip south to the Breslin Center.

Sheldon Tassier The last time three U.P. teams advanced to the final four was in 1972 as the St. Ignace Saints in Class C, Menominee Maroons in Class B, and Ewen Trout-Creek Panthers in Class D advanced.

The Panthers went on to defeat Flint Holy Rosary 74-62 for the state title. The 1972 semifinals were played at neutral sites throughout the state. The Saints lost to Saginaw St. Stephen in the semifinals played at Traverse City Central High School.

The only year three teams from the Upper Peninsula won state championships in the same year was in 1956.

The Stephenson Eagles won the Class B title with a 73-71 overtime win over Detroit St. Andrew. Crystal Falls defeated Berrien Springs 71-69 for the Class C crown, and Chassell upended Portland St. Patrick 71- 68 for the Class D championship.

During the 2008 semifinals, Negaunee lost to Flint Beecher 57-51 in the Class C, Menominee fell to Lansing Catholic 64-39, and the Trojans fell to Muskegon West Michigan Christian 77-65.

The Trojans' Jordan Duncan (23) drives past Chase Leskela (32) of Ewen Trout Creek during the first half of the Class D quarterfinal game at Escanaba, Tuesday, March 11. Jordan Duncan is one of five seniors on the team that also includes seniors Jason Duncan, Kevin Thompson, Cody Thompson, and Sheldon Tassier. State Champions

Class A: Saginaw 90, Detroit Pershing 71

Class B: Lansing Catholic 54, Flint Powers Catholic 53

Class C: Kalamazoo Christian 54, Flint Becher 51

Class D: Muskegon West Michigan Christian 58, Detroit City 57