Chrision Wilborn of Lawrence Free State’s rebound and ensuing stick back for two points at the final buzzer lifted the Firebirds to a 54-52 Class 6A Substate Basketball Tournament win over the Junction City Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays had rallied from a 16-4 deficit in the first quarter to tie the game a number of times, but it all came down to the final five seconds. After a timeout the Firebirds got the ball to their leading scorer Hunter Gudde, who drove the left baseline and put up a shot that bounced off the rim to Wilborn, who then made his followup shot just as time expired.

Blue Jay coach Pat Battle said he was proud of his players. “I’m proud of the way they battled. Falling down 16-4, especially early, they just kept battling. They (Lawrence Free State ) just made a play there at the end.”

Junction City ( 9-12 ) was led by Nick Arneson with 16 points while TJ Poole had 13. The loss ends the season for Junction City. Lawrence Free State ( 15-6 ) will advance to play Wichita Southeast in the tournament championship game Saturday night in Wichita.