DeLaSalle's 73-49 victory over Chisago Lakes wasn’t a thing of beauty. At this point in the season it doesn’t matter. It’s all about moving on.

That’s what the two-time defending state champion Islanders (26-4) accomplished in ousting the Wildcats (22-8) in a sluggish matchup.

DeLaSalle senior standouts Tyseanna Johnson and Allina Starr combined for 21 points in the first half as the Islanders built an 11-point lead in spite of shooting 36 percent from the floor. They were even worse from the free-throw line, connecting on 33 percent of their attempts.

“We did what we had to in order to get to the second round,” said Johnson, who was one of four Islanders in double figures with 16 points. She also had 13 rebounds. “We didn’t start out the way we wanted, but we eventually stepped it up.”

Sophomore forward Taylor Toney paced the Islanders with 17 points. Guard Patiance Griffin, another sophomore, had 14 points and Starr finished with 13.

“Our younger players had some jitters as the beginning of the game,” Johnson said. “They gained more confidence as the game went on.”

Chisago Lakes junior Bryanna Fernstrom, a Division I prospect, registered a double-double. The 6-foot-5 center had 17 points and 14 rebounds.

RON HAGGSTROM

1. Tyseanna Johnson, DeLaSalle
One of many great all around players on this Islander team, Johnson was the dominant force on offense today. Her 17 points led all scorers and she scored most of her points in the first half when the Chisago Lakes was still close behind.

2. Taylor Toney, DeLaSalle
If the first half scorer was Johnson, the second half belonged to Toney. She was strong both from behind the arc and slashing to the basket.

3. Bryanna Fernstrom, Chisago Lakes Area
The one player on the court DeLaSalle had no answer for. Her soft touch around the basket combined with her size (listed at 6'5") gave the Islanders fits all game long.

-Jake Lunemann, MN Girls Basketball Hub