Westminster Christian was hot.

The Class 4A top ranked Wildcats made their first five shots from the field, including three from 3-point range and sprinted to a lead they wouldn’t relinquish on the way to a 66-49 victory over seventh-ranked Haleyville in Northwest Regional semifinal action at Wallace-Hanceville’s Tom Drake Coliseum on Monday.

“We’ve done that 3-4 times this year,” said Westminster coach Ronnie Stapler. “These guys are capable of that.”

Westminster led 23-13 after the first and the Wildcats continued the onslaught making two more 3-pointers – 6 of 9 in the first half – and converting 17-of-25 first half attempts for 66.7 percent.

The Wildcats took their largest lead of the half when Grant Kaufmann made the final 3-pointer of the half for a 37-20 lead.

Haleyville also shot well, making 12-of-21 shots first half shots, but still trailed 41-27 at the break.

The Lions fought back in the third, closing the gap to seven points, the last time at 45-38, after the Wildcats missed their first seven shots of the quarter and committed two turnovers.

“We were getting good shots, just missing them,” Stapler said.

Consecutive 3-pointers by Westminster’s Eric Robinson and Chase McCarty late in the quarter extended the lead to 51-38 heading into the final period.

Haleyville would get no closer as the Wildcats extended their lead to 60-42 on a Lawson Collier dunk with 3.35 left.

Westminster spread it out, forcing Haleyville to foul the rest of the way and providing the final margin.

Star of the Game: Westminster’s Chase McCarty had 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including making 3-of-6 3-pointers, adding 10 rebounds and a steal.

Stat sheet: Westminster — Kaden Rickard 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting with 3 assists; Tyler Ingle 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting.

Haleyville – Drake James 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting; Bryant James 16 points on 6-of-15 shooting.

By the numbers: Westminster — 29 rebounds, 26 points in the paint, 17 assists.

Haleyville – 21 rebounds, 26 points in the paint

They said it: “They know who Batman is on our team.” Westminster’s Stapler on Chase McCarty.

Next up: Westminster Christian plays the winner of West Morgan/Deshler in the regional championship on Thursday.