There was a cool efficiency to Apple Valley’s textbook-like 67-58 victory over Lakeville North in Thursday’s Class 4A semifinals.

The Eagles didn’t wow anyone with their speed or beat its opponent into submission. That’s not their style. What Apple Valley did is what they’ve done all season: present a complex set problems too varied for opponents to solve completely.

There was 6-foot-11 center Brock Bertram, a space-eater in the lane who scored 11 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and even dished out three assists. And Gary Trent Jr., who carried the offense in the first half, hitting three three-pointers and scoring 13 of his 19 points before halftime.

When Lakeville North took away those options in the second half, Cameron Kirksey stepped up with eight points. All the while, freshman guard Tre Jones was reminding fans of his celebrated older brother Tyus, breaking down the Lakeville North defense off the dribble for 17 points.

“He’s got that gift for controlling a game,” Apple Valley coach Zach Goring said.

The victory may not have been a work of art – Lakeville North’s aggressive play kept Apple Valley from pulling away – but, Trent said, style points don’t matter.

“That’s kind of the team we are,” said Trent. “It can’t be about one person. It’s a team game We all have to play our roles.”

The victory sets up a date with Champlin Park in the Class 4A championship game Saturday. The Rebels beat the Eagles 79-74 in December, a loss the Apple Valley players remember well.

“Oh, definitely, we’ve been thinking about it,” Trent said. “This is for all the marbles. It wouldn’t have been a good season for us if we didn’t get to this point.”

Apple Valley held up its end, methodically defeating Lakeville North 67-58, setting up the Class 4A championship game that basketball fans hoped to see.

The No. 2-ranked Eagles’ depth and efficiency on offense offset Lakeville North’s scrappy play. Gary Trent Jr. scored 19 points, Tre Jones – Tyus’ younger brother – added 17 for Apple Valley (29-2).

They will play No. 1-ranked Champlin Park in the championship game Saturday at 8 p.m. Champlin Park won an earlier meeting, 79-74, at the Granite City Holiday Classic in St. Cloud in December.