A big first half for the Lake Washington High School boys basketball team propelled the squad into the state semifinals Thursday, as they defeated Clarkston 52-48 in Yakima at the Sun Dome.

The Kangs will play at 9 p.m. Friday against Lynden for the right to advance to the state championship game at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Lake Washington got of to a fast start on Thursday, taking a 20-13 lead during the first quarter and extending it to 38-19 by halftime.

That lead was enough to withstand a big comeback by Clarkston during the second half, as the Kangs scored just 14 points during the entire second half. Clarkston scored 15 during the third and 14 during the fourth quarter, but it was not enough to complete the comeback.

Lake Washington was led by Drew Heimdahl with 17 points, Jeff Staudacher with 14 points and Kelly Guy with 12 points.