GULF SHORES – The Gulf Shores Dolphins jumped out to an early lead and never relinquished it on the way to a 53-40 win over Mobile Christian on Tuesday.

Gulf Shores head coach Dru Powell said the quick start was a key to the game.

“I always tell them that starting off well early makes it much easier to play later in the game,” Powell, who has coached the Dolphins to a 3-1 start said.

Gulf Shores led 11-3 at the end of the first period and built a 23-12 lead by halftime. The Dolphins extended the lead to 41-23 by the end of the third.

“Our guys came out and played hard from the very start,” Powell said. “We will always have a chance to win if we play hard. I have been pleased with their effort in practice every day and it is good to see that effort pay off in games.”

Brandon Gottfried led the Dolphins with 18 points. Jake Van Sickler added 10 points for Gulf Shores in the win.

The Dolphins will host West Florida at 7:30 on Monday night. Bayside Academy will visit Gulf Shores on Tuesday, also at 7:30.