Eli Peters of Gabrielino dribbles around a St. Paul defender in semifinal action of the Titan Pride Classic on Thursday. Peters scored 21 points in the Eagles’ 68-32 victory. (Christopher Burt)

By Eric Terrazas, Staff Writer
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WHITTIER – Gabrielino High School took control quickly and went on to a 68-32 victory over St. Paul in Thursday’s semifinal game of the Titan Pride Classic boys basketball tournament.

The 1-2 punch of Tyler Shimamoto and Eli Peters led the Eagles (6-3), who advance to Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. championship game against Price at Pioneer High. Price beat Brea Olinda 63-42 in Thursday’s other semifinal.

Shimamoto paced the Eagles’ attack by scoring 23 points while Peters added 21.

The Eagles, who seized momentum instantly by taking a 21-6 lead after one quarter, strengthened their hold by grabbing a 35-9 advantage going into halftime.

St. Paul (3-4) will play in the third-place game against Brea Olinda, at 6 p.m. Saturday at Pioneer.

Peters and Shimamoto each scored 12 points to lead the Eagles’ first-half effort. Gabrielino’s defense also played a major role, holding the Swordsmen to no field goals during the second quarter.