St. Paul Academy’s dream season keeps on rolling.

The Spartans advanced to their first state tournament Friday, defeating defending Class 2A champion Minnehaha Academy 73-45 in the Section 4 final at Macalester College.

The victory, which avenged a loss to the Redhawks in last year’s section quarterfinals, has been a long time coming for coach Kevin McKenzie.

“I feel like we’ve been overlooked a little bit over the past six years,” McKenzie said. “I don’t think anyone can overlook St. Paul Academy anymore.”

Spartans sophomore Dalante Peyton led all scorers with 28 points. He scored 17 points in the second half, many of which came as part of a 38-12 run.

With its core group of players back this season, St. Paul Academy (19-8) has more than doubled its victory total from last season, when it was decimated by injuries.