Eastview shot out to an opening 6-0 lead on a pair of Madison Guebert 3-pointers and never looked back, defeating Park 65-39 Thursday in the Class 4A, Section 3 final at Hamline University.

By the time the Wolfpack knew what hit them, the Lightning had extended its lead to 17-4 at Hutton Arena. Efficient possessions and a long-range attack featured five 3-pointers in the first half.

“The girls had written on the whiteboard, ‘Focus the whole game’, because it doesn’t matter who you’re playing, it’s so easy for teams to creep back up on you,” Eastview coach Melissa Guebert said.

The second half featured physical play and a slew of free throws on both sides. Eastview (28-1) went 26-of-39 from the free throw line while continuing to extend its lead.

Guebert finished with 27 points, while teammate Kari Opatz added 17 points.

Park couldn’t couldn’t get the shots it needed early on, allowing the Lightning to take a 27-11 lead into halftime. Park guard Sydney Lamberty led the Wolfpack (21-7) with 19 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, while going 12-for-12 from the free throw line in the second half. 

Down the stretch, Eastview converted the free-throws needed to keep the Wolfpack at bay, scoring 24 of their 38 second half points from the foul line.

The victory advanced Eastview the Class 4A state tournament, which begins Tuesday at Target Center.

“We worked really hard all year for this, and prepared well,'' Madison Guebert said. "There’s a lot of teams that don’t get the opportunity to go to state: it’s a great feeling.”  

Class 4A, Section 4 championship

St. Paul Central rallied from a six-point halftime deficit for a 53-47 victory over White Bear Lake. Jada Jones scored 17 points and Rayna Sherow scored nine of her 11 points in the second half to lead Central. Alison Hinck scored 17 to lead White Bear Lake.