HAYFIELD — With every game, the freshman trio of starters continues to grow for Lyle-Pacelli boys basketball team and they took another big step as the Athletics beat Hayfield 48-35 to take third place in the Hayfield Tournament Thursday.

Zach Bollingberg had 14 points and six rebounds, Jed Nelson had 14 points and eight rebounds and Cole Walter had one point, three assists, three rebounds and three steals. Nelson has been on the varsity squad for the last three years, but he’d been thriving this season with his classmates on the court with him.

“I’ve been playing with those guys my whole life. We’re working real well together right now,” Nelson said. “Boxing out, rebounding and defense have been key for us.”

LP (5-5 overall) took an early lead and it led by double digits for the bulk of the second half while playing without senior guard Frederico Pulgarin. LP head coach Scott Koenigs said he would like to have Pulgarin in the lineup, but he’s noticed his youngsters have stepped up in Pulgarin’s absence.

“They’re getting better and better,” Koenigs said. “They’re getting to the rim and they’re setting up their teammates with good shots. They’ve been working extremely hard.”

Patrick Towey had 12 points and five rebounds to lead the Vikings (0-8 overall).

LP 29  19  —   48

Hayfield 17  18  —  35

LP scoring: Zach Bollingberg, 14; Jed Nelson, 14; Trinity Anderson, 8; Joseph Maas, 7; Trace Fishbaugher, 3; Cole Walter, 1; free throws: 71 percent (5-for-7); rebounds: 30; turnovers: 9

Hayfield scoring: Patrick Towey, 12; Ethan Slaathaug, 5; Mason Nitz, 5; Luke Dudycha, 4; Ethan Fritcher, 2; Brady Nelson, 2; free throws: 44 percent (7-for-16); rebounds: 23 (Dudycha, 6); turnovers: 12