Boys basketball: La Center 67, Kalama 55

Austin Myers had 20 points and 12 rebounds, and Matt Braaten hit some big free throws down the stretch as the Wildcats improved their playoff chances with a big win over second-place Kalama in a Trico League game.

Braaten hit 6 of 8 free throws in the fourth quarter as La Center pulled away with a 22-10 advantage. Jeremiah Arn had eight of his 12 points in the fourth, largely off assists from Myers.

“They were double-teaming Myers, and he did a good job of finding Jeremiah,” La Center coach Herm VanWeerdhuizen said.

Arn also had eight rebounds and two blocked shots. Wyatt Aguirre was hot in the first half, scoring 10 of his 12 points.

“It was just a good team effort all around,” VanWeerdhuizen said. “We finally finished one off.”

LA CENTER 67, KALAMA 55

KALAMA — Josh Wall 19, Ethan Oomittuk 6, Tanner Vossen 6, Jared Shagool 0 , Austin Lien 0, Elijah Bannister 10, Jared Neiman 10, Nolan Emrich 4. Totals 23-52 (5) 4-12 55.

LA CENTER — Connor Wonderly 0, Scott Barger 2, Jeremiah Arn 12, Wyatt Aguirre 12, Dylan King 8, Matt Braaten 11, Jon Griffee , Zach Brown 0, Austin Myers 20, Levi Van Tol 2. Totals 26-54 (4) 11-19 67.

Kalama 14 14 17 10—55

La Center 15 17 13 22—67