Rockford Lutheran 39, Elgin St. Edwards 35: Lutheran coach Devin Smith had a couple of close shaves Wednesday at the Plano Sectional semifinals.

His Crusaders edged Elgin St. Edwards 39-35, despite a dismal performance at the free throw line, and will meet Winnebago in the Plano Sectional final on Friday.

The coach also made good on a promise after the game, allowing his players to shave his head. He told them he would part with his hair if they reached the sectional final.

The coach would have kept his hair if not for the offense of Lutheran reserve Earl Grigsby, who scored a team-high 10 points — all in the second half.

“When I saw my opportunities, I took them,” said the junior forward, whose team trailed 17-10 at intermission.

Grigsby started the second half and quickly contributed two steals and two baskets as Lutheran cut the margin to 17-15.

“He’s just a force,” said Lutheran senior guard Taylor Dixon. “He is hard to stop. He does a lot for us. He always comes through in the clutch.”

Grigsby gave Lutheran its first lead of the night with 5:38 left in the game, hitting an 8-foot, baseline jumper. He added another 8-footer in the final minute that put Lutheran up 37-33.

“That’s my shot,” Grigsby said.

Lutheran never trailed again after grabbing the lead as the Crusaders held St. Edward’s offense at bay with a smothering man defense.

However, the Crusaders allowed the Green Wave to stay close by hitting just 5 of 15 free throws in the fourth quarter and 8 of 23 for the game.

The Crusaders missed seven in a row during a stretch in the final two minutes of the game.

“Normally we are better than what we showed tonight,” Smith said.

Lutheran’s offense also was aided by Andrew Wieting, who had eight points along with five rebounds and two steals.

Josh Dix paced the Green Wave with a game-high 12 points, including two 3s.

-Doug Goodman, rrstar.com