BY DAN STICKRADT
CORRESPONDENT
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
Twitter: @LocalSportsFans
EAST LANSING — Members of Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes boys basketball program departed Michigan State University’s Breslin Center with an empty-pit-type feeling in their collective stomachs last March.
A perfect season was tarnished with a 53-52 setback to Morenci in the Class D state semifinals, where the Lakers missed a foul shot in the final second that would have forged overtime.
Engaged in a nip-and-tuck battle this season in the Class D semifinals, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes closed out with a 12-0 run over the final 3:54 to down Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian, 64-53, in the Class D state semifinals at Michigan State University’s Breslin Center to earn their first-ever trip to the state championship game.
The Lakers will face off with top-ranked, unbeaten and defending state champion Powers North Central (27-0) at 10 a.m. Saturday, also at the Breslin Center.
“I think last year we were really nervous and it showed,” said senior forward Devin Senerius. “It was This year I think us seniors weren’t (rattled).”
Behind the trio of The Senerius twins, Devin and Clay, along with All-State First Team choice Andrew Kline, Waterford Lakes (22-4) made sure their were no shortfalls in the semis this time around.
“I know we didn’t just come here be satisfied. We came up here to win this time and make the finals,” said Lakes coach Paul Robak. “Ever since we lost the game last year, I think the seniors wanted to get back and now they will play for the state championship.”
The Lakers, who lost in the Division 8 football state finals last November, jacked up the defense down the stretch to pull away after the first portion of the fourth quarter featured five lead changes.
Tri-Unity’s Willie Otole three-pointer with 4:17 to go gave the Defenders (20-6) a 53-52 lead. Tri-Unity would not score again, going 0-for-6 from the floor down the stretch.
Lakes freshman Noah Robak drilled a three-pointer from the right corner that put the Lakers up for good and kickstarted the game-clinching run.
“We have three-reply good seniors and a group of guys that hate the lose,” said Robak. “We have good athletes, great leadership and guys that play well together. They wanted to play Saturday on the season’s final day and now they will get that chance.”
Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian led 14-10 at the end of the first quarter, as Waterford Lakes star Kline picked up two quick fouls.
With Kline on the bench, Our Lady still outscored Tri-Unity 19-15 in the second quarter and the two teams were tied at 29-29 at the half.
The close affair continued in the third stanza, as both teams traded off 15 points to force a 34-34 draw entering the final frame.
Our Lady of the fiLakes outscored Tri-Unity 20-9 in the fourth period to advance to the final day of the campaign for the first time.
Devin Senerius scored 17 with 12 rebounds, as the Lakers held a 37-15 edge on the boards. Kline followed with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists, Robak chipped in with 12 points and Clay Senerius had 11 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the Lakers, who finished a crisp 53.1 percent from the the floor (26-for-49).
Collin Rosendall scored 17 with four steals and Javi Cuevas added 12 points and four assists for the Defenders, who were making their 10th appearance in the Final Four under coach Mark Keeler.
The Defenders finished 23-for-52 from the floor (44.2) percent to keep the game close despite the huge rebounding differential.
“We have to give Waterford all the credit in the world. They just did a great job tonight and they finished strong and we didn’t,” offered Keeler. “That’s basketball and we let it get away from us in the end. We didn’t hit shots down the stretch.”