A 12-0 first quarter run helped the Pella High boys basketball team build a lead it would never relinquish in last night’s 68-51 win over Chariton in the class 3A district opener that was broadcast live on 92.1 KRLS.

After the Chargers hit a three-pointer to start the scoring, the Little Dutch ripped off the next dozen points and the game was never closer than seven the rest of the way.

Juniors Nick DeJong and Ryan Gustafson combined for 14 of Pella’s 19 points as they built a ten-point lead at the end of the first quarter, and they finished the game with 40 as a duo. Coach Derek Schulte says that was a big reason his club was victorious.

“Both those guys are key to our offense, and both played well tonight. Gus had it going from three and off the dribble, and Nick played like Nick. We got him the ball down low and he finished strong.”

Gustafson led all scorers with 23 points and DeJong added 17 and nine rebounds. Logan Shetterly chipped in 11 points and Lucas Warner battled for eight points and nine boards.

The Little Dutch are 11-11 on the season, and they’ll play Carlisle on Thursday night in the second round at Carlisle High School. The Wildcats beat Centerville last night, 83-75.