The Brillion Lions are The Division 3 state Boys Basketball Champions for the second time in school history as they defeated The West Salem Panthers 61 to 55 in The WIAA Division 3 State Championship Game Saturday afternoon at The Kohl Center in Madison.
West Salem snapped a 19 all tie in the first half by going on a 7 nothing run to take a 26 to 19 lead and The Panthers led 29 to 24 at halftime.
Brillion began the second half on a 9 to nothing run to grab a 33 to 29 lead.
West Salem would rally to take a 42 to 41 lead, but that would be their last lead of the game and The Lions would clamp down on defense plus hit some big free throws down the stretch and seal their second state title in school history.
Their first title came back in 2012 as they defeated Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau 40 to 35 in The Division 3 Title Game.
Senior Jeremy Lorenz led The Lions with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocked shots and set a Division 3 state Tournament record with 8 total blocks in the 2 games.
Senior Bennett Olson chipped in 10.
West Salem was led by Peter Lattos with 20 points and Tamarrien Henderson added 12.
Brillion finishes their championship season at 29 and 1 while West Salem finishes their terrific season with a record of 28 and 2.
