LAKE CHARLES – Natchitoches Central was in good shape Thursday night against No. 1-ranked Zachary in the boys high school basketball state semifinals, until the Chiefs weren’t.

NCHS had the upper hand for most of the first half, leading by as many as seven. But Zachary closed the half charging and picked up where it left off on the way to a 65-45 victory in the LHSAA’s Non-Select Division I semifinal at Marsh Madness in Burton Coliseum, with a large crowd of Chief fans looking on.

Leading 25-18, Natchitoches Central got a hot start from senior Jaden Braden and junior Ja’Dell Demery, who combined for 23 first-half points. But Zachary closed the second quarter with a 10-2 burst and carried a 28-27 edge into halftime.

That was the start of a game-altering 22-6 run by the Broncs into a 40-31 lead, and it didn’t stop there. Zachary kept blasting away and NCHS was on the struggle bus, outscored 37-18 in the final two periods.

The Chiefs shot 28 percent (5-18) after halftime following 45 percent (10-22) first-half aim. Zachary sank 53 percent for the game, 56 percent (14-25) while taking control after halftime.

Braden finished with 18 points and Demery had 16 for the Chiefs, who finished with a 25-6 record and their eighth trip to the semifinals in 13 seasons.

The team captured the District 1-5A championship after getting all the way to the state finals in a surprising run last season.

Zachary (27-6) will play for its third state title in five years Saturday night when it takes on Central of Baton Rouge.