Plainview’s Sawyer Kate Hulgan scored the game’s first nine points in the opening minute and a half of Tuesday’s Class 3A girls state semifinal at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena.

It was a sign of things to come.

Plainview started the game on 12-0 run, built a 28-2 lead at the end of the first quarter and led 46-11 at halftime on the way to an 81-24 victory over Cottage Hill Christian.

“Man, they just made shots,” Cottage Hill coach Brad Newton said. “It was one of those things that snowballed. We couldn’t change the momentum of th game. That’s a testament to them.”

The Bears made 10 3-pointers and forced 20 turnovers before halftime. Cottage Hill made just 4-of-17 shots. Plainview dished out nine first-half assists, while the Warriors had only one.

Hulgan scored 25 points in the first half, making 7-of-10 from 3-point range. She finished with 28 points.

Plainview’s Lauren Jimmerson started the second half with a four-point play, as she made a 3-pointer while getting fouled and made the free throw. Jimmerson finished with 17 points.

Key stat: Plainview made 16 3-pointers and finished 30-of-64 overall, while Cottage Hill made only seven shots from the field. “If any of the 15 (players) is open, we want them to shoot it,” Plainview coach Luke Griggs said.

Coachspeak: “Plainview shot the eyes out of it at the beginning of the game. By the time they slowed down, we were in a pretty big hole.” — Newton

Did you know?: Plainview won the 2023 Class 3A softball title last spring and captured the 3A volleyball title last fall. Now, the Bears have a shot at the championship trifecta. “The girls work their butts off on whatever sprot they play,” Griggs said.

What’s next?: Plainview advances to play defending champ Trinity in Friday’s championship game. Tip-off is set for 12:30 p.m.

They said it …: “I was just one today.” — Hulgan

“We just wanted to make a big statement,. We didn’t want to give the other team any chance.” — Jimmerson, referring to the hot start

Stat sheet: Plainview’s Gracie Rowell dished out five assists. … Cottag eHIll’s Taylor Davidson scored nine points and grabbed seven rebounds. … Jimmerson led all players with eight rebounds. … No Plainview player logged more than 18 minutes.

This post will be updated.