When Phoenix Glassnor does what he did in the first half in Tuesday’s regional semifinal round, the De La Salle Pilots don’t need to ask for much from their star in the second.

The Pilots’ all-time leading scorer torched the Troy Athens Red Hawks for 22 points in the first half and needed only a few minutes to add four more before retiring to the bench to watch the rest of De La Salle’s 76-41 win, earning their spot in Thursday’s Division 1 regional championship game against L’Anse Creuse North.

“Phoenix is a pro’s pro,” said DLS head coach Denarryl Rice. “He’s there early, stays late. He’s been doing it all four years. I’ve known him since a young kid. He’s a relentless, tireless worker. We had a game tonight, he’ll be in the gym tomorrow at 5:30 in the morning. Nothing changed. You know, unfortunately he didn’t get a Mr. Basketball bid, but we know who we have and he knows who he is.”

The Toledo commit started the game by hitting two 3s and two 2s in the first quarter, then made two more from range plus six more points in the second quarter, getting the Pilots ahead of their Oakland opponent 29-13 going into the break despite the absence of Armoni Portis, their second leading scorer.

Portis will be available in the regional championship game.

With shots up for grabs, several De La Salle players made their mark: Jackson Tur scored seven points, including a thunderous reverse dunk in the fourth, and provided more than what a scorebook can measure.

“Jackson brings crazy energy (and) defense,” Rice said. “He’s an unselfish kid who’s been waiting (for) his chance and opportunity all season. He got an opportunity (and) took advantage of it, and I’m really proud of Jackson.”

Freshman Eli Tuson scored 15 points — 13 in the second half —and made two 3-pointers. Delos Russell made three 3s and had 11 points.

Despite just a 9-14 record, De La Salle is now just one of 16 teams still standing in Division 1.“We’re battle tested,” Rice said. “So just moving forward, we’re peaking at the right time. Guys are buying in, playing cohesive basketball. Playing together. The energy is contagious. I’m proud of our guys.”

Athens’ participation in the regional tournament was something of a surprise to everybody but them.

The Red Hawks went 5-9 in the Oakland Activities Association White, but they finished the regular season with a tough win over Ford II before ousting rival Troy then Royal Oak to win their first district championship since 2014.

“Our inner circle, we had confidence (in the district tournament).

“So I was just pleased to see all of our hard work and, you know, year long, the details and in the practice pay off.

“So I was happy for the guys,” said first-year Athens head coach Mitch Vercillino, who spent the previous two years as an assistant with the Red Hawks.

“I’m extremely proud of this group. I know that we didn’t win as many games as they were expecting coming into this year. We had some ups and we had some downs, but I feel like we ended on a positive note, and we just set the tone for what we want the program to be next year and years to come.”

Eight players scored for Athens with sophomore Alan Spahic’s nine leading the way.

De La Salle and L’Anse Creuse North, who beat Chippewa Valley in an overtime thriller after the Pilots’ game, will play for the regional championship at Troy on Thursday, March 6. Tip time is 7 p.m.