The Lake Washington boys basketball team handily defeated Nathan Hale on Tuesday night, to advance to the district semi-finals on Thursday, Feb. 16.

The Kangs won its first district game 68-40.

In the first quarter, Lake Washington was up 23-12, never looking back. The team added 22 points in the second quarter, while holding Nathan Hale ot seven points. A 13-6 third quarter practically sealed the game, but Nathan Hale fought through the fourth quarter, hitting 15 points, while the Kangs had 10 points.

Matt Staudacher had 20 points during the game, while Darien Nelson-Henry added 15 and Guy Lynott posted 14 points. Cody Bernstein and Drew Heimdahl had four points, while Kelly Guy, Mike Hanson and Jeff Staudacher added three and Greg Curry posted two points.

The team will take on Seattle Prep on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. against Seattle Prep, which beat Franklin in the second round.

The winner will move into Saturday’s district championship game at 6:30 p.m. agains the winner of the O’Dea vs. Rainier Beach game. If the Kangs lose to the Panthers, the team will play for third or fourth place on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. against the loser of the O’Dea vs. Rainier Beach game.

Win or the lose, Lake Washington will advance to the regional round of the state tournament on Feb. 24.