PHOENIX, Ariz. – Sophomore Marlee Nicolos had a career-high 10 points and four players scored in doubles figures as St. Francis advanced to the semifinals of the Gold Division at the Nike Tournament of Champions Saturday.

“It felt really good,” said Nicolos. “I think this was the first game I have had where the entire time I was not tired and I was ready to go. I was so ready for that game.”

It is the second time in school history the Troubadours have opened the Nike TOC with two wins in 10 appearances and will play for their first championship game appearance on Monday.

Junior Janae Fairbrook scored the first five points of the game as St. Francis (6-0) opened the game with a 12-0 run.

“She had a three and a drive to the basket early,” said Pitton of Fairbrook. “She ended up with four threes and really had a solid game.”

Lutheran (4-1) responded with a 6-0 run and kept the deficit in single digits over the first quarter. But the Troubadours exploded with a 26-point second quarter as Nicolos scored eight points among seven players making hoops in the period. Lutheran was held to six points in the third quarter as St. Francis extended its lead to 31 points.

“The third quarter was one of the standout quarters, especially defensively,” said Nicolos. “We were on top of it. We made adjustments with the screens and helping each other out on defense. Offensively we were all on the same page.”

Fairbrook finished with a game-high 18 points, while junior Julia Razo added a career-high 14 points.

“I thought Julia looked confident and comfortable out there,” said Pitton. “She was totally in control the whole time she was on the floor.”

Lauren Craig recorded 12 points and nine rebounds and Kyra Huffman nine points and seven rebounds.

But it was Nicolos who had the breakout game, scoring a career-high 10 points with 11 rebounds and eight assists.

“She really was the igniter of our offense,” said Pitton. “She pushed the ball, made some great passes and penetrated as well. She is taking a page out of Tia’s book. She is mentoring her and she is really looking great out there.”

Nicolos credited her senior teammate Tia Hay with helping her development.

“I want to thank Tia because she is the best person ever and she helped me a bunch,” said Nicolos.

Sophomore Kelly Kraeger and Carlie Deterding each recorded their first varsity baskets in the game as 10 players contributed to the win. Kraeger hit a three-pointer and Deterding had a short jumper in the key.

The team will have Sunday off before continuing action on Monday.

“We are going to the mall, a hike and Secret Santa,” said Nicolos. “Everyone is really excited.”

They will play the winner of Fairmont and Valley Vista at 4 p.m. Arizona time on Monday at Campo Verde High School. Other teams playing in the winner’s bracket Saturday included Xavier Prep out of Phoenix versus Huntington Beach (Calif.) and Cherry Creek (Colo.) and Chaparral (Ariz.) HS.

St. Francis 74, Lutheran (Colo.) 36 – Nike Tournament of Champions

SF – Fairbrook 18, Razo 14, Craig 12, Nicolos 10, Huffman 9, Kraeger 3, Deterding 2, Koerwitz 2, Ortiz 2, Williams 2. L – Vigil 17, Stuckey 7, Walden 7, Sperie 3, Knutson 2.