HURLEY -- The Hurley Midgets advanced to the championship game with an 81-23 victory over Wakefield-Marenisco in the first round of the 23rd annual Gogebic Range Holiday Tournament at the Hurley K-12 School Friday.

"I thought we played with a purpose tonight," Hurley coach Gary Giancola said.

The Midgets (4-2) advance to the championship game against Ironwood at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

"We are looking forward to it," Giancola said. "It is our second (straight) trip to the championship game, and it is the matchup that most people anticipated.

"It is the matchup of the defending champions and the rise of Ironwood. It should be competitive."

Hurley rocketed out of the gate, taking a 23-0 at the end of the first quarter.

W-M didn't score until senior Zach Pulkas hit a jumper with 5:44 left in the second quarter.

Hurley extended its lead to 42-13 at the break.

Hurley junior Dylan Laurin had 14 points in the first half. Fellow junior Daulton Levra had 12.

The Cardinals coughed up the ball 21 times in the first half, finishing the game with 28 turnovers. Hurley lost the ball 12 times in the game.

In the third quarter, W-M was held to only four points. Hurley rattled off 28 points in third quarter to lead 70-17 heading into the final frame.

Levra finished with a game-high 23 points for Hurley. Laurin had 18 points and senior Jordan Holst added 13.

Junior Andy Fetters led the Cardinals with six points.

W-M (0-4) advances to play Bessemer in the consolation game at 6 Saturday.