Archbishop Stepinac advanced to the CHSAA Archdiocesan Final with a 55-47 win over Iona Prep in the Bronx on Tuesday night.
Stepinac guards Boogie Fland and Danny Carbuccia scored 10 points apiece, but it was Benjamin Lyttle's prowess on the offensive glass that was the difference for the Crusaders. Lyttle scored 12 points, all putbacks and points in the paint.
Stepinac's lead teetered around double digits for most of the second half, with the Gaels getting as close as seven at 45-38 after a putback by Bengaly Berete with 5:54 left.
AJ Rodriguez scored a game-high 20 points for Iona Prep.
Stepinac will face Cardinal Hayes in the CHSAA Archdiocese Final on Saturday. Hayes defeated St. Raymond 72-65 in the opening Semifinal on Tuesday.
Video highlights (added 2.24.23)