PHOTOS: Top-seeded Crean Lutheran captures 61-60 win over Dominguez to reach finals

Crean Lutheran players celebrate after Friday’s dramatic CIF semifinal playoff victory over Dominguez Friday night. (Photos courtesy John Luciano, Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs)

Crean Lutheran’s boys basketball team will have a chance to bring home the school’s second CIF championship for the sport in school history.

The top-seeded Saints, coached by Nate Klitzing, defeated Dominguez 61-60 in the CIF 2A semifinals on Friday night in Compton. The Saints move on to the championship game to host Agoura Wednesday night at 7.

Crean Lutheran won the CIF 3AA championship game in 2018, defeating Knight 61-60 in double overtime.

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Koat Keat attempts and makes a free throw late for the Saints. He made two to help his team win.

Michael Birket of Crean Lutheran takes a shot Friday.

Jack Fairchild of Crean Lutheran brings the ball up Friday.

Crean Lutheran players celebrate the road semifinal victory.

In Friday’s game, Koat Keat made two free throws with three seconds left to put the Saints ahead. Keat finished with 24 points. Michael Birket had 14 points and Parker Tuttle 12 points, along with some big plays in the final quarter.

“Wow, what an incredible game,” Klitzing said. “The atmosphere, the stakes. It all made for an amazing night. This game was such a battle from the opening tip. Dominguez gave us all we could handle the whole game. It was back and forth and such an emotional game. I’m so proud of the way our guys fought for this one and showed such grit and toughness. It was a total team effort.

“James Agany really got us going early with his post presence. Mike Birket hit timely shots and Parker Tuttle was a Warrior showing heart and determination to win. Of course, Koat Keat continued to make big-time plays as he’s done all season. The confidence and poise he showed to sink two game winning free throws, I will never forget. He’s got ice in his veins.

“I am so very proud of this team and how we have continued to grow together. Glory to God.”

Crean Lutheran held a 33-29 lead at halftime and led 46-45 going into the final stanza.

Crean Lutheran advanced to the semifinals with a 75-57 victory over Culver City Tuesday. Click here for photos and a full report of the game.

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