The Highland boys basketball team overwhelmed Mid-Prairie Thursday night in Wellman in the district semifinal round of the class 2A playoffs, taking a 73-44 win.

Highland started the game hot, on a 16-5 run that spanned the first and second quarters. The Huskies kept the pressure on leading 31-20 at the half. Out of the break Mid-Prairie’s Carter Reinier knocked down a three to pull the Golden Hawks within eight, but it was as close as they would get the rest of the night. The Huskies answered the challenge with a 9-0 run that put the game out of reach.

Highland led the charge with their defense, turning Mid-Prairie over 18 times on the night. The Huskies got a game high 20 points from Zach Lasek, 12 of those coming in the second half. Trent Lasek added 15 and Chase Rath 14. Mid-Prairie was led by Carter Reinier’s 12 points, Caleb Statler finished with 11. Mid-Prairie seniors Reinier, Statler and Derek Rich wrapped up their Golden Hawk careers in the loss. Mid-Prairie ends their season at 7-17. Highland advances to the district championship game at West Liberty Tuesday against the Central Lee Hawks who were 60-58 upset winners over the Iowa City Regina Regals in the second round Thursday night.