However, the Trojans (25-3, 8-0) ran into a stacked Tri-unity Christian squad on Thursday in the Breslin Center. The Defenders (26-2, 6-0) jumped on Forest Park right away and advanced to the state title game with a 67-46 win in East Lansing.

“The start of the game didn’t go the way we wanted it,” Trojans head coach Jason Price said. “We shot too quickly and they had easy layups. They shot close to 70 percent from the floor. Credit to them, they’re a well-coached basketball team. They control the tempo. They run their offense really well. They make you work on defense and then capitalize on easy shots.”

Saturday’s appearance in the finals will be the fifth straight for Tri-unity Christian head coach Mark Keeler, who is retiring at the end of the season.

“I asked my wife to pray for me because I’ve been pretty emotional all week,” Keeler said. “It’s hard after 38 years, realizing this is going to be my last game. It’s unbelievable that it gets to be at the Breslin for the championship.”

Trojans sophomore Dax Huuki (13) puts up a jump shot.

After making the quarterfinals last season, Forest Park says goodbye to its three seniors — Gabe Quevedo, Kevin Giuliani and Matthew Showers.

“We had a heck of a season,” Price said while sitting next to his three seniors during the post-game press conference. “These guys were the main reason we’re here.”

“These guys paved the way. I’ve coached them since third grade. I just joked in the locker room that I didn’t think they’d be very good at the third-grade level. These three proved me wrong. They’re the cornerstone of our program. They’ve worked very hard. All three are great leaders.”

Despite having his senior season end with a loss, Kevin Giuliani was able to accomplish a childhood dream on Thursday.

“It feels really good actually.” he said. “Even though I’m sad it’s the last basketball game I’ll be playing in my career, it’s still awesome to make it to the Breslin. I’ve always dreamed of playing under these lights and I finally did it.”

Trojans freshman Aiden Waldo (24) puts up a layup against Tri-unity Christian in the Breslin Center on Thursday.

He wasn’t the only one.

For Quevedo, making it was on his mind since last season. However, due to an injury, he had to put in work before he could suit up in the Black and Red.

“Last year, when we lost, I told people, ‘We’ll be back and hopefully win,” Quevedo said. “I wasn’t able to participate in the football state championship, so I wanted to be apart of a making a run to a championship.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be down here, at the Breslin. I hope the young kids hold onto that dream and make it back down here because we have a lot of talent coming up.”

The Defenders opened the first quarter on a 9-0 run, forcing a Forest Park timeout. During the break, Kevin Giuliani kept his message simple: “The game’s not over until it’s over.”

Forest Park sophomore Vic Giuliani (32) dribbles between his legs while sizing up a Defenders' player on Thursday in the Breslin Center.

He scored on the Trojans’ next possession but they couldn’t break through. At the end of the first, Tri-unity Christian held a 20-6 advantage.

“We let them get going and they got comfortable,” Price said. “And we didn’t.”

Forest Park began to settle in during the second quarter, scoring 13 points in eight minutes. But, the Defenders couldn’t miss. They went a perfect 4-for-4 from the charity stripe while shooting 70% from the floor.

“They move the ball really well,” Quevedo said. “I think we could have moved it better. They’re fast and they’re a good team. They played together and they wanted it.”

At halftime, Tri-unity Christian’s lead ballooned to 19 points.

“I was proud of my guys,” Price said. “We came out in the second half and competed. We settled in, moved the ball and made some shots.”

The Trojans responded in the third quarter. Sophomore Vic Giuliani knocked down a 3-pointer from the wing to cutting the deficit to 16. However, the Defenders always had an answer. Both teams scored 13 points in the frame and Forest Park went into the fourth trailing 51-32.

In the final frame, freshman Aiden Waldo led the way with 10 points. He also made two 3-pointers. While it wasn’t enough to topple Tri-unity Christian, it was a sign of the future for the Trojans’ program.

“We’re always learning,” Price said. “We won the conference this year, which is something we haven’t done in a while. We got to the Breslin, that’s a step further. Getting familiar with this, coming down here, hopefully, it becomes somewhat normal.”

Kevin Giuliani led Forest Park with 16 points. He also tallied five rebounds and a steal.

Forest Park received contributions from Quevedo (1 assist, 1 steal), Dax Huuki (2 assists, 2 rebounds), Showers (1 steal), Vic Giuliani (10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal), Izaiah Tarter (8 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound) and Waldo (12 points, 1 block, 1 steal)

Even though the Trojans couldn’t battle back for the win, the Forest Park faithful dominating the crowd never wavered in its support. That’s something the seniors will never forget.

“It’s awesome,” Quevedo said. “Having them is definitely an advantage. They cheer for us, they bring the energy. Without our fans, we wouldn’t have the energy we had. Everyone is awesome. We’re a small community, so we basically know everyone in our town and it’s awesome that they’re down here cheering for us.”