A strong finish to the 2nd quarter gave way to a dominating 2nd half and a substate semifinals win for the #4 in 3A Pella boys basketball team, as they defeated Washington 76-38 on Thursday, as heard live on 92.1 KRLS.

The Dutch fell behind early but quickly built a multiple possession lead by the end of the 1st quarter. The Demons hung tough and closed the gap to six late in the 2nd quarter before Pella exploded with a 9-0 run to close out the first half. The Dutch kept pushing until they earned the continuous clock mercy rule by early in the 4th.

Jack McGuire scored 22 points and Austin Schulte added 19. Pella improves to 20-4 overall and hosts Keokuk on Monday in the substate finals to go to state. Live coverage begins Monday on 92.1 KRLS at 6:30 p.m. The Dutch defeated the Chiefs 70-46 earlier this season.