The Wildcats rallied in the second half after scoring just 20 points to win the semifinal game of their bracket at the Oregon Hoopfest in Bend, Ore.
Down by as many as 16 points, La Center (9-1) took its first lead with about 3 1/2 minutes to play on Hunter Ecklund’s layup. With about a minute to play Ecklund made a 3-pointer to put the Wildcats ahead for good. He scored all nine of his points in the fourth quarter.
Matt Bryant led La Center with 18 points and provided the spark with three 3’s in the third quarter.
Avery Seter added 10 points, and Evan Norris had eight rebounds.
La Center will face Seattle Academy on Saturday.
OREGON HOOPFEST
At Bend, Ore.
LA CENTER 58, DEL NORTE 55
LA CENTER (9-1) — Hunter Ball 5, Colby Shaw 3, Tobey Deemer 3, Evan Norris 6, Avery Seter 10, Matt Bryant 18, Cedric Hubler 4, Hunter Ecklund 9. Totals 19 (8) 9-22 58.
