Each time Thomas Jefferson seemed like it would inch back into Tuesday night's Class AAA semifinal game against Moon, the Tigers picked it up a notch.
Moon had too many answers for Thomas Jefferson in the Tigers' 70-54 win at Canon-McMillan.
Moon, the two-time defending champion, will try to three-peat when it faces Hampton at the Polumbo Center on Saturday.
"I know that my kids can play, and they play with confidence," Moon coach Jeff Ackermann said. "I know this is a very special thing, and it's rare for teams to get this opportunity, so we are going to make the most of it."
Moon (21-5) appeared to be well-composed and playing an up-tempo style of play the entire game -- one Thomas Jefferson (17-6) couldn't keep up with.
Moon opened the first quarter with four consecutive 3-pointers, which helped the Tigers to a 16-11 advantage after the first quarter. By the end of the half, Moon had built a nine-point lead.
Senior guard Dan Walsh scored 12 points in the first 16 minutes and finished with 13 points.
After being held to seven points in the first half, sophomore guard Brian Walsh had a stellar second half and ended with 23 points.
"Dan is a scholarship player (Edinboro)," Ackermann said. "There is nothing that should shake him. He is a four-year starter and has won 20 games every year he's been here.
"Brian is a sophomore, but he is the best sophomore I've ever coached. He has the true mark of a Division I player. He can do things that you can't coach."
After a scoreless first half, junior guard Vince Valenzi led a second-half surge by scoring five of Moon's first seven points in the third quarter. Valenzi finished with 10 points.
Heading into the fourth quarter, Moon led, 50-37, leaving little opportunity for a Thomas Jefferson comeback.
"Coach prepares us very well, and we knew everything they were going to throw at us," Dan Walsh said.
Moon held Thomas Jefferson's leading scorers, Dom DiCicco and Tim Chapon, to 12 and 14 points, respectively.
The Jaguars did have two other players, though, who reached double digits in scoring. Forward Nate Nix and guard Ryan Brown each recorded 14 points. Moon forward Andy Dowdell also scored in double figures with 13 points.
Dan Walsh said he's prepared to face Hampton, who defeated Blackhawk, 82-58, last night, and he can't help but to think about winning the WPIAL championship just one more time.
"We are always up for a challenge, but we believe we can beat anybody," Dan Walsh said.
"I remember the feelings, to be there, to be in that game, and then, to be standing up there and having the gold metal put around my neck."
