We have a really special group. We have some great senior leadership and guys with experience. There's no substitution for that.

The big guy in the middle stepped it up.

There's two teams left playing and we're one of them. That's been our goal all season and it feels fantastic. We're very proud of these guys because they believed in themselves.

When they come out at the start of the game shooting the ball the way they did, that's not the order of things. They banged shots early, we fell behind and we couldn't control tempo.

Our motto is 'team first' and every single guy has seemed to buy into that. This has been a really fun group to coach because they're highly motivated. It's been a pleasure.

Ortiz played like a senior leader and we had some great contributions off the bench. It was two great teams battling. I'm happy with the way we played.

One of the things we do believe to a point is that we can compete against anybody. From what people say, (Hillhouse is) the most talented team in the state. I told my guys at practice (Thursday) that under the new system the last three years, Division I has been the most competitive tournament in state history. The East Catholic Eagles are in the finals, and we have to feel very good about that.

We gutted it out, handled pressure and made free throws at the end. We've got guys with a lot of character. When you make a state tournament run, you have to have kids who make plays.