Palmer Ridge employed a dizzying pace and scored most of its points in transition on the way to a 61-33 win Friday night over host Vista Ridge.

“We tried to change our philosophy a little bit in the second half of the season,” coach Nick Mayer said. “The guys have really embraced that and done a good job of pushing the ball. We have a really deep bench and we’re able to play a lot of guys, and that’s the reason we did that.”

The Bears (7-6, 1-0 4A Pioneer) led 13-4 after one quarter and didn’t let up as Josh Kagarise’s fastbreak layup and Evan Anderson’s 3-pointer ignited a 10-2 run in the first 4 minutes of the second quarter that pushed the lead to 17.

The Wolves (4-9, 1-1) struggled to solve Palmer Ridge’s defense and trailed 27-12 at halftime.

“We’re intense on defense,” Bears guard Eric Marty said. “That’s where we live.”

Even when the Bears didn’t push the pace, they were able to work the ball and find open shooters on the perimeter.

“We had a great night shooting,” Marty said. “Evan Anderson really lit it up. We play so many guys that we’re finding ways. Whoever is hot, we’re getting them the ball.”

Anderson scored a game-high 18 points, including four 3-pointers. Marty finished with 13 points and Kagarise added seven.

Pierre Copeland, a freshman, led Vista Ridge with 13 points — eight of which came in the second half.

A scene in “The Job.” Photo by