LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) - Jerald Butler had 25 points and 10 rebounds to lead Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian to a 65-48 win against Tampa Catholic in the Florida class 5A boys’ basketball championship game Saturday.
Calvary Christian (24-6) shot 53 percent (19-for-36) from the floor to pull away from Tampa Catholic, who shot 23 percent (16-for-68) from the floor and 15 percent (5-for-34) on 3-pointers.
The Eagles took control of the game with a 9-0 run in the first period, led 15-8 after the first and led 25-21 at halftime.
The Crusaders (25-6) took a 30-29 lead midway through the third period off a 3-pointer from Alijah Harrison, but Calvary stormed back with an 12-0 to close the period and take an 41-30 lead.
Calvary Christian was able to get into the double bonus early in the fourth period and continued to build its lead from the free-throw line as Tampa Catholic couldn’t get closer than seven points.
Kevin Knox, widely considered one of the top-20 prospects in the nation, led the Crusaders with 24 points and seven rebounds before fouling out. The rest of the Tampa Catholic starters were a combined 5-for-38 from the floor.
Soloman Uyaelunmo had 17 points for Calvary Christian while Victor Uyaelunmo added nine points and 12 rebounds.
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