FOUNTAIN SPRINGS – The outcome was never in doubt.

Lehighton could sense that and so could everyone else sitting in North Schuylkill’s Cesari-Hope Gymnasium.

Playing perhaps its best basketball of the season at the most opportune time, North Schuylkill girls methodically cruised past the Indians, 71-32 on Friday night in the quarterfinal round of the District 11 Class 4A playoffs.

The win advances the Spartans into Monday’s semifinal round against Allentown Central Catholic.

“They’re just a phenomenal basketball team, they’re clicking on all cylinders right now,” said Lehighton coach Joe Berezwick in an admiring and tone about the Spartans.

The Indians had to try and slow up the speedy Spartans. But that’s a whole lot easier said than done.

North Schuylkill sophomore sensation Kamryn Mengel can score points in rapid fire, something she proved again last night. She was joined by teammates Katelynn Himes and Mya Wetzel as the trio took turns firing in triples the way most teams settle for two-point buckets. By night’s end, Mengel poured in 23 points, including four treys, Wetzel had 12 points, including two triples, and Himes sank two treys as well and finished with eight points.

“We shot a bunch of threes and we made a bunch,” said North Schuylkill coach Rich Wetzel. “Over the last two-and-half weeks our kids are shooting in the flow of the game and that’s huge for us.”

The triple killers enabled North Schuylkill to wheel and deal in racing in front 23-7 after one period of play. Berezwick tried everything in his power to try to slow the pace, calling a pair of timeouts during the first three minutes of play. But nothing worked.

“They’re so impressive with their shooters,” Berezwick said. “They just don’t miss. When we contested they made it and when we gambled and tried to overplay they found other ways to score.”

Lost in the dazzle of the Spartans’ offensive blitz was the defense that they played, which was extremely active and forced the Indians into nine turnovers in the opening quarter.

Lehighton’s Alexis Solomon nailed a bucket to open the second quarter, but North Schuylkill answered with a 19-2 run that quickly put the game out of reach. Mengel had 11 points in the second period for the Spartans while Mya Wetzel kissed the glass for seven points during the decisive run.

The Spartans led 45-18 at halftime and cruised home from there.

“What a team,” said Berezwick. “ I told our kids we play pretty good defense, but they’re just much better on offense.”

HOT, HOT, HOT … The Spartans were 30-for-67 from the field, including an unreal 8-for18 from behind the arc. Lehighton went 11-for-43 from the field.

INDIAN LEADER ... Hailey Miller led Lehighton with 14 points.

ADDING IT UP… North Schuylkill did a lot of glass cleaning with 41 rebounds. It committed 17 turnovers. For the Indians, they picked off 25 rebounds with Miller’s six leading the way. They turned it over 26 times.

SAYING GOODBYE … Lehighton had three seniors suit up for their final game - Ashley Marchessault, Kelsey Gaston and Solomon.

LEHIGHTON

Miller 5-2-2-14, Solomon 3-0-0-6, Marchessault 1-3-4-5, Gaston 2-0-0-5, McHugh 0-2-2-2, Gustafson 0-0-0-0, Haley 0-0-0-0, Williams 0-0-0-0, McGee 0-0-0-0, Bowman 0-0-0-0, Wojton 0-0-0-0-0, Meckes 0-0-0-0, Fisher 0-0-0-0, Hauser 0-0-0-0. TOTALS: 11-7-8-32.

NORTH SCHUYLKILL

Mengel 9-1-2-23, Mya Wetzel 5-0-0-12, Wagner 3-2-2-8, Himes 3-0-0-8, Maddy Wetzel 3-0-0-6, Stitzer 1-1-1-3, Gawrylik 2-0-0-4, Hall 2-0-0-4, Mogish 0-1-2-1, Taylor 1-0-0-2, McCormick 0-0-0-0, Fetterolf 0-0-0-0, Lucas 0-0-0-0, Felty 0-0-0-0. TOTALS: 29-5-7-71.

Lehighton 7 11 4 10 - 32

No. Schuylkill 22 23 12 14 - 71

Three-pointers: L - Miller 2, Gaston 1. NS - Mengel 4, Himes 2, Mya Wetzel 2.