Jayden Taylor and the Sanford Warriors were on a mission as they dominated their game and send themselves to the State Final after defeating the Vikings 54-48.

NEWARK, Del. — The No. 6 Sanford Warriors secured a spot in the DIAA State Final with a 54-48 win over No. 2 St. Elizabeth on Friday night. Sanford started hot, jumping to an 8-0 lead behind Dwayne Jones and Khareem Hart’s early threes. St. Elizabeth struggled to respond until Steven Nixon Jr. hit a deep three, followed by a Kiyen Alexander steal and layup to close the gap. However, Sanford stayed in control, highlighted by a Trevor Webster three-pointer and a show-stopping alley-oop dunk from Jayden Taylor.

Despite St. Elizabeth’s efforts to keep pace, Sanford held a 19-16 halftime lead and never wavered. The second half saw Taylor throw down another alley-oop, while Hart powered through contact for an and-one play, igniting the crowd. The Vikings made late free throws to stay within reach, but Sanford’s defense and key baskets sealed the win.