Top-ranked DeLaSalle isn’t overlooking opponents on its way to a third consecutive state championship. The talent-rich Islanders are simply overwhelming them.

Wasting little time against Orono, DeLaSalle started the game on an 8-0 run and never looked back in a 67-41 rout in the Class 3A semifinal Thursday at Target Center.

“We came out with a lot of fire and emotion,” DeLaSalle standout forward Reid Travis said. “When we do that, we usually play well.”

The only member of Minnesota’s “Big Three” recruiting class to reach the state tournament, the Stanford-bound Travis showcased his various talents. He finished plays around the basket and drew fouls. He exploded off the base line for a dunk. The 6-7, 240-pound Travis even dribbled end-to-end for a lay-up.

Travis finished with game-highs in points (27) and rebounds (12) and impressed Orono coach Barry Wohler.

“Reid Travis was all that he was advertised,” Wohler said. “I looked at the guys on the bench and said, ‘He is a beast, gentlemen.’ ”

The Islanders (24-3) followed their leader, making a case to all who watched which team is the state’s best. Wohler said starting the game down 8-0 had Orono (22-9) “just scrambling from there on.”

“I was proud of our effort but this year, all the rest of us could beat each other and DeLaSalle was that wildcard,” Wohler said. “In my mind, they are clearly the best team no matter the class.”

DAVID LA VAQUE

No. 1 DeLaSalle (24-3) came out fast, jumping to a 11-2 lead en route to a 67-41 victory against Orono (22-9). The Islanders advance to Saturday’s Class 3A championship game. A victory against either Austin or Holy Family (the teams playing today’s second semifinal) gives the Islanders a third consecutive state championship.

Check back later for more on the game.