Bloomington Jefferson's improbable section run came to a close Friday.
Top-seeded Shakopee came up clutch at the free throw line to hold off the upset-minded Jaguars 52-45 for the Class 4A, Section 2 championship at Apple Valley High School.
The Jaguars' Matt Rosen buried a three-pointer with 1:07 left in the second half to cut the deficit to 43-41.
But on the ensuing possession, sophomore center Steffon Mitchell was fouled. He made five of six free throws in the closing seconds to seal the victory for Shakopee.
"I just wanted to help the team and try to continue our journey," Mitchell said. "Jefferson's not easy.
"We needed to come out and play with intensity and we did."
The Sabers (22-6) played an effective 2-3 zone defense that forced Jefferson (15-13) to pass the ball around the perimeter and use precious time.
With 1:25 remaining in the first half, Tim Larson found a rare opening in the zone to give No. 7 seed Jefferson its last lead of the game at 21-19.
