Highland pulls away from Lewiston in 4th

NAMPA, Idaho – Wil Carter totaled 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Highland shot 14 of 18 from the free-throw line in the second half Thursday to defeat Lewiston 63-54 to open the State 5A boys basketball tournament at the Idaho Center.

The Rams (17-9) finished 16 of 22 from the line and outscored Lewiston 24-16 in the fourth quarter.

Tyler McKee added a game-high 12 rebounds for the Rams and teamed with J.D. Mower for 29 points.

Jeff Decker led the Bengals (12-9) with 19 points and five assists. Decker shot 6 of 6 from the line and hit three 3-pointers.

Beau Blewett had seven rebounds for Lewiston before fouling out. The Bengals shot 8 of 28 from the floor in the second half.

Lewiston will play Centennial (15-11) at 12:15 p.m. today in a loser-out game. Highland will meet Eagle (19-5) in an evening semifinal.