Jeremiah Glaspie’s layup drew first blood for Tayloe Drug in the 9-10 boys championship on Saturday, but Hiram Lodge exploded for seven unanswered points and went on to claim the division crown in a 29-23 win.

Jarryn Payne grabbed a rebound and laid it in, trying the game at 2-2 and setting the tone for what would be four quarters of dominance inside. Payne and his team were able to get plenty of extra chances off of rebounds.

Chaise Smith then scored five straight points for Hiram, giving his squad a lead it wouldn’t concede. Glaspie’s layup broke the run, but Hiram was able to take a 12-4 lead after the first.

Joshua Gordon got a basket 30 seconds into the fourth quarter, and Tayloe would come as close as four points in the second. Hiram’s strength on the glass made it tough for Tayloe to chip away at its deficit, though, and it went into halftime down, 20-13.

Fouls caught up with Hiram in the fourth. Tayloe was able to convert on its chances at the free-throw line to pull within two, 22-20, with more than enough time to finish the rally.

Hiram pushed back right away. Joshua Armstrong kicked the ball out to Payne, who was open in the paint for a short jumper. That kickstarted a 6-0 spurt that closed out the championship win.