Lyle/Pacelli defeats Heritage Christian 59-43 in 1A opener
Kristi Fett led the top-seeded Athletics with 25 points.

JOEL RIPPEL, Star Tribune 03/15/18, 12:30PM CDT

Lyle/Pacelli coach Justin Morris says his team has found a way to win games whether it was playing its best or not.

That characteristic was on display for the Athletics in the Class 1A quarterfinals Thursday at Williams Arena. The top-seeded Athletics overcame a slow start to pull away for a 59-43 victory over Heritage Christian.

The victory was the 23rd consecutive for the top-seeded Athletics (30-1). The Athletics led by five with 2:12 left in the first half before using a 7-1 run to open an 11-point lead at halftime. The Athletics opened the second half with a 14-6 run to open a 19-point lead – their biggest lead of the game – with nine minutes left. Maple Grove-based Heritage Christian didn’t get closer than 14 the rest of the way.

“We were kind of nervous early, and a little discombobulated,” Morris said. “We did some things that were uncharacteristic for us. We turned the ball over more than usual. Give Heritage Christian credit. You don’t get to the state tournament without being a good team. We just settled in and were more patient on offense.”

After shooting 40 percent from the field in the first half, the Athletics shot 55 percent from the field after the intermission. Kristi Fett, a 6-5 senior, led the Athletics with 25 points and 18 rebounds. Olivia Christianson added 14 points and five steals.

Taylie Scott scored 24 points to lead Heritage Christian (19-11).

Heritg
43 - 59
Final
Lylaus
Team 1 2 T
Heritage Christian 23 20 43
Lyle-Pacelli 34 25 59
Final
Thu Mar 15, 2018 @ 11:00a Williams Arena

First report
Kristi Fett and top-seeded Lyle/Pacelli opened the Class 1A state tournament with a methodical 59-43 victory over Heritage Christian on Thursday at Williams Arena.

Fett, a 6-5 senior who has committed to play for Minnesota State Mankato, scored 13 points in the first half to help the Athletics build a 34-23 lead.

Lyle/Pacelli (30-1) opened the second half with an 18-11 run to open a 52-34 lead with six minutes left. Heritage Christian didn’t get closer than 14 the rest of the game. Fett finished with 25 points.

Taylie Scott scored 24 points to lead Heritage Christian (19-11), which is making its first state tournament appearance.

Olivia Christianson added 14 points for Lyle/Pacelli and Annika Simonson contributed 11 points for Heritage Christian.

Check back later for more on the game.