The Bulldogs put the game out of reach early with a big first half en route to a 73-48 victory on the road at Castle Rock on Friday.

Montesano was hot from the start, outpacing the Rockets 19-7 in the first quarter and held a 20-point lead by halftime.

“I thought we worked real hard. I was pleased,” said Monte head coach Doug Galloway, who added he emphasized getting off to a good start. “Last game I didn’t feel we were prepared from the opening tip-off. … We wanted to get off to a better start and we did that.”

Montesano center Tanner Nicklas led the Bulldogs with 22 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Shaydon Farmer recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds and Evan Bates scored 12 points for Monte.

Monte plays at Black Hills at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Montesano 19 21 19 14

Castle Rock 7 13 14 13

Top Players: Montesano — Nicklas (22 pts., 9 reb., 4 asst.), Bates (12 pts.), Farmer (11 pts., 10 reb.)