Inexperience wasn’t an issue Wednesday for state tournament newcomer East Ridge.

The No. 2-ranked Raptors scored the first nine points and cruised to a 78-41 victory over Eastview in the Class 4A quarterfinals at Target Center. Woodbury-based East Ridge, which opened in 2009, is making its first state tournament appearance.

“That was one of the best games we’ve played,” said Raptors senior forward Courtney Brown, a Wisconsin-Milwaukee recruit who had 18 points and 10 rebounds. “To be able to put that on display on the big stage was nice.”

East Ridge (28-2) was too athletic and quick for Eastview (18-12). After scoring on four of its first five possessions to take its initial lead in the opening 3 minutes, 23 seconds. The Raptors widened it to 23-7 on Patrick Lynott’s three-pointer with 6:47 left in the first half. He was East Ridge’s lone starter not in double figures, finishing with nine points.

“Defense is something we take pride in,” Brown said. “Getting stops leads to our transition to offense.”