It was all Highland in the early semifinal game of the annual McClintock Holiday Shootout on Wednesday evening.

Highland raced to a 14-0 lead in the first five minutes of the first quarter and essentially that was that. The Hawks went on for a 80-44 triumph at McClintock's Doc Zinke Gymnasium. Highland (13-1) faces Basha (16-0) on Thursday at 7 for the championship. Basha advanced with an 82-81 victory over Desert Mountain in the other semi. Basha trailed Desert Mountain 79-72 with less than two minutes left to play.

Highland spread its scoring, landing four players in double figures. Senior guard Brock Knollmiller led the way with 21 points - 16 in the first half and 10 of those in the opening period. The Hawks led after one quarter, 18-5.

The second quarter was even better for Highland as the Hawks netted 35 points (15 off the bench from sophomore Michael Johnson). Johnson connected on four of his five game-high treys in the second quarter and 5 of 7 for the game. He finished with 18 points.

Highland's lead snowballed to 53-18 at halftime. Two other Highland starters scored in double figures - Noah Peterson (16) and Ryan Moon (11). Peterson tallied eight points in each half and Moon eight of his 11 in the first half. Highland made 34 of 51 shots from the field. Peterson sank 8 for of 8,  Knollmiller 10 of 13 and Johnson 6 of 9.

Mountain Pointe's scoring was balanced and led by freshman Joe Lindsey off the bench with 12. Sophomore Eddie Youngson scored 10 also in a reserve role. Starters Aiden Price and Jayven Price collected nine points apiece.

Three games precede Thursday's title game. The fifth-place game matches Boulder Creek and Liberty at 2:30. The consolation final pits Desert Vista vs. Valley Vista at 4. Third-place is set for 5:30 between Mountain Pointe and Desert Mountain.