Labove's fans break into a chant: Olé!

Matt LaBove hoists the championship trophy. (Barry Chin/Globe Staff)

As the St. John's of Shrewsbury boys' basketball team broke its huddle for the fourth quarter of the Division 1 state final on Saturday, Matt Labove turned to the deep sea of Pioneer faithful on the other side of the court and raised four fingers.

Moments later, the 6-foot-9 senior center gave them an even sweeter treat, slamming home a two-handed breakaway dunk and sending the red-clad supporters into a frenzy, complete with repeated cries of "Olé!"

"When that happened, I knew something special was about to come," said Labove, who netted 10 points as St. John's pulled for an 80-62 win over Lynn English for the title, the program's first since beating Boston English in 2000.

With impressive wins over defending champ Central Catholic (North final) and previously unbeaten Brockton (Eastern Massachusetts final), English appeared to be the favorite, even while playing in St. John's backyard at the nearby DCU Center.

But over the last four decades, St. John's coach Bob Foley has instilled toughness, and playing with an even keel, to his Pioneers.

"Coach always talks about poise," Labove said. "Before the game he was talking about having 'clear eyes' - clear eyes meaning, don't let the emotions get into it.

"When they make their runs, just have clear eyes, get the job done."

Sophomore forward Richard Rodgers got the job done, scoring 20 of his 28 points in the game's second half.

Senior guard Anthony Trapasso got the job done, defending with determination and guile against English scoring machine Ryan Woumn, who lit up Brockton for 39 points four days earlier.

And Trapasso also contributed 15 points in the final game of his high school career.

"We were just trying to figure him out, and we found a defense that worked on him," Trapasso said. "We knew we had to come out and bring a lot of intensity, and had to do everything right."

Now, the mission is complete.

"Every freshman around the state says they're gonna win a state title by the time they leave," Labove said. "But to actually fulfill on that in your senior year, it's just amazing. A dream come true."