HUNTINGTON BEACH >> The Bosco Tech boys basketball team used a balanced, team-oriented offensive attack to defeat Lynwood 88-81 in the CIF Southern Section Division 5AA championship game Saturday at Edison High School.

For the Tigers (27-6) it’s the first CIF-SS basketball championship in school history, making the moment extra special for Bosco Tech coach Michael Romo.

“I’m an alumnus, I graduated in 2010,” Romo said, “and to be part of that, it’s something that we’re going to carry on for the rest of our lives.”

The story of the game for Bosco Tech was how well it responded to every run Lynwood made during the game. Every time it appeared the Knights were going to seize control, the Tigers answered right back.

The most pivotal stretch came when Lynwood tied the score at 71 late in the fourth quarter and Bosco Tech responded with a 6-0 run to fend off the Knights.

Bosco Tech finished the game on a 17-10 run to secure the win.

Another key to the victory for Bosco Tech were the huge performances from forwards Jaden Erami and Ryan Osborne, who consistently broke down the Knights’ press defense with good ball movement and unselfish plays.

Erami had a double-double of 30 points and 12 rebounds while adding six assists, two steals and two blocks. Osborne finished with 29 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks.

“Me and Ryan have been playing since we were little, so we have that chemistry already,” Erami said. “(Lynwood) has a very tough press to break; they throw people at you. We were just trying to find the open man. Me and Ryan found each other most of the time to get easy buckets and that translated for us to win the game.”

For Lynwood (21-11), it was a disappointing outcome. Head coach Jason Crowe spoke about how trailing early set the tone for the entire game.

“It determined the game,” Crowe said. “(Bosco Tech) came out with more force, they forced a turnover immediately from the jump ball and we never could gain our footing.”

Knights freshman Jason Crowe Jr. scored a game-high 35 points which included a couple of very deep 3-pointers.

“I just think I could have done better, especially on the defensive side,” Crowe Jr. said. “Too many forced shots. I could’ve kicked it out more, but it’s all good. We got to get strong for state (playoffs).”