HIBBING – Practice makes perfect.

Darnell Goggleye poured in 29 points, including five three-pointers, as the Grizzlies buried Silver Bay, 87-46, in the Section 7A semifinals here on Thursday. The win advances North Woods to the Section 7A championship match against Mountain Iron-Buhl at Hibbing Memorial Arena on Saturday at 7 p.m.

“Dar warmed up today,” said Grizzlies Coach Will Kleppe. “He hit some nice threes for us. His passing was outstanding. He really sparked our game tonight.”

“He extends so far beyond the arc that he’s hard to cover,” said Silver Bay Coach Terry Blood.

Darnell’s younger brother, Cade, also played a key role in Thursday’s win, working the inside for 18 points.

“He has a good sense of where to get to and get in a good position to rebound and touch the ball,” Kleppe said. “He snuck inside a little bit tonight and got some boards for us and he attacked the basket well.”

The Grizzlies got off to a quick start offensively, racking up 19 point in the first four minutes of play, and forcing numerous turnovers as they built to a 60-25 lead at the half.

“Defense came out aggressive to start the game. It seems like when we get a good quick possession and score right away it gets the offense rolling,” said Kleppe.

Mariner Coach Blood said North Woods’ defense was formidable.

“We couldn’t even get into our stuff. They’re on you right away and their speed, we just don’t see it all year,” Blood said. “You’ve got to cover so much because they can shoot and can so many things to you.”

In addition to the Goggleyes, North Woods got scoring from eight other players. Steven Stone added eight while Spencer Viita contributed nine. Garett Snidarich and George Bibeau each finished the night with six.

The Mariners were led by Enoch Fischer, who bucketed 22 points. Matt Barker added six, while Brandon Johnson and Jerry Conglous III each chipped in four.

North Woods was nearly perfect from the free-throw line, sinking seven of eight attempts. Silver Bay was 15 for 25 from the charity stripe.

The Grizzlies will go on to face Mountain Iron-Buhl, which defeated Fond du Lac,

94-56. North Woods beat MI-B during the regular season, 84-54, and the Rangers will be itching for revenege.

Their speed – we just don’t’ see it all year. You’ve got to cover so much because they can shoot and can do so many things to you. It was a tough match.

Meanwhile, the Mariners end with an overall season record of 20-9.

“We had a really good year and we’re proud of it,” said Blood. “This has been one of the best groups I’ve ever coached. They’ve got a lot of heart, work hard and play until the end of the buzzer.”