The TMP-Marian Monarchs got out to a quick start and held off the Phillipsburg Panthers on their way to a 69-50 win Friday in the 3A Norton sub-state semifinals.
Lucas Lang's first of two first quarter three pointers help the Monarchs 7-0 first quarter lead.
Phillipsburg was able to close the gap to two a couple of time in the first quarter but with TMP (19-4) leading 9-7 the Monarchs closed out the quarter on a 9-2 run to lead by 10 at 18-8.
In the second quarter Phillipsburg trimmed a 10-point deficit to six to open the quarter at 22-16.
TMP quickly extended the lead back to 10 before Phillipsburg to it to four on a 6-0 run at 26-22.
Following a Jackson Schulte three-pointer TMP would lead 29-22.
The Panthers were able to close within five before the Monarchs closed out the half with a 34-26 lead.
TMP outscored Phillipsburg 8-2 and then 8-5 to start the third quarter with a 50-33 lead.
Phillipsburg got it back to 10 midway through the quarter before the Monarchs built the lead back t0 14 at 54-40. TMP led 54-42 through three quarter.
The fourth quarter belonged to TMP. They opened the quarter on a 15-4 run on their way to the 69-50 win.
Dylan Werth scored 13 of his team-high 21 points in the second half. Jackson Schulte added 15 and Lucas Lang finished with 10 points.
TMP will take on Minneapolis in the sub-state title game Saturday after they knocked off Norton 53-50.