Lake City guard Nathan Heise (3) took and hit a 3-pointer over Melrose Area forward Adam Helmin (31) in the first half. Photo: Aaron Lavinsky ¥ aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com
A combination of letting it fly from beyond the three-point arc and pounding the ball inside propelled the No. 5-ranked Lake City past No. 9 Melrose Area 60-44 in the Class 2A quarterfinals Wednesday at Target Center.
The Tigers scored 24 points in the paint as well as from three-point range.
“When we’re balanced, we’re at our best,” Lake City coach Greg Berge said. “We’re going to take what the defense gives us. We have four really good shooters, and can score inside, too.”
The Tigers’ first three baskets came from long range, opening the lane. They used a 10-3 run midway through the first half to take a 22-15 lead. They had two layups and two three-pointers in the run.