FLORENCE, Wis. – Riley Hixon eclipsed 1,000 points for his prep career as Florence opened WIAA tournament play with a 72-25 victory over Niagara Tuesday evening.

The Bobcats (17-6), a three seed in the Division 5, Sectional 2, move on to host No. 6 seed Gillett in Friday’s regional semifinal. Winner of that game heads to a regional final Saturday against the winner of No. 10 Gresham and No. 2 Laona/Wabeno.

“It’s always nice to get a tournament win under your belt,” Florence head coach Bryan Bomberg said. “I thought, for the most part, we had balanced scoring, pretty solid defense, and we played tough.”

Hixon, one of four Bobcats in double figures, also had three assists and a steal. Hixon was the second Bobcat to surpass 1,000 points this season, following Kaden Schuls earlier this season.

“Very proud of him, well deserved,” Bomberg said.

Schuls led all scorers, hitting for 16. Evan Johnson and Patrick Milan each added 11, with Milan making his effort a double-double with a game-best 11 rebounds.

Friday’s matchup against Gillett will tip-off at 7 p.m.

Niagara 16 9 – 25

Florence 35 37 – 72

NIAGARA: Lincoln 2, T. Colenso 5, J. Weber 5, Carlson 6, Swanson 5, A. Colenso 2. FT: 6-15. F: 12. FO: None. 3-pt FGs: Swanson.

FLORENCE: Schuls 16, Hixon 13, Johnson 11, Patrick Milan 11, DeMuri 6, Stolz 6, Paul Milan 4, Boettcher 3, McLain 2. FT: 5-11. F: Not provided. 3-pt FGs: Hixon (2), DeMuri (2), Johnson. Rebounds: 33 (Patrick Milan 11).