A trio of scorers in double figures propelled the NRHEG boys’ basketball team past the first round of the Bethany Lutheran College Holiday Tournament in Mankato.

The Panthers advanced to the semifinals with an 80-51 win on Friday over St. Clair.

NRHEG showed a balanced scoring attack as five players scored eight or more points. Spencer Tollefson led the Panthers with 20 points, Kevin Kalis had 15 and Chad Agrimson added 14.

Kalis, a senior center, used good technique in the paint, said NRHEG coach Pat Churchill.

“I thought Kevin did a nice job in the first half sealing and getting position,” he said. “I told the kids at halftime to extend our offensive possessions a little bit, and I thought we did that in the second half.”

Agrimson was one of five reserves to contribute to the scoresheet.

“Chad had a real nice game off the bench for us getting offensive rebounds and (scoring) tough baskets the hoop,” Churchill said.

NRHEG used a 7-0 run at the end of the first half to take a 35-24 lead into the break. Halfway through the second half, the Panthers extended their lead with a 14-0 run, Churchill said.

Look for coverage in Monday’s Tribune from NRHEG’s game Saturday in the semifinals against St. Croix Lutheran. Entering the game, the Panthers are 6-1 overall with a 3-1 Gopher Conference record. St. Croix Lutheran is 7-1 overall and 1-0 in the Tri-Metro Conference.

NRHEG’s next regular-season game will be 7:30 p.m. Jan. 3 at Hayfield.