Megan Choate and Bobbi Fry combined for 37 points, and the visiting Bulldogs made the needed plays late to end the season for La Center.
The Class 1A District 4 playoff game was close throughout, but the only lead for the Wildcats (16-5) came during the third quarter. Twice in the final period, Montesano led by six, La Center didn’t have a possession with a chance to tie or lead late in the game.
Samantha Wise scored 16 points for La Center in the loss.
Choate scored 20 points and Fry 17 for the Bulldogs, who advance to the double-elimination phase of the district tournament.
MONTESANO 48, LA CENTER 44
MONTESANO — Nukols 4, Rhoden 2, Bobbi Fry 17, Ackley 0, Megan Choate 20, M. Malizia 2, Ostwald 3, Warnock 0. Totals 15 (3) 15-21 48.
LA CENTER (16-5) — Annie Baker 0, Megan Vansoest 3, Samantha Wise 16, Alyssa Carnes 8, Katie Whitten 13, Rachel Moudy 3, Mimi Kalani 1. Totals 14 (5) 11-20 44.
