The last time these teams squared off it was for third place at the 1A state tournament in Yakima and King’s beat La Center 68-56.
On Friday, La Center returned the favor — even throwing in a four-hour bus ride to Shoreline — as the Wildcats beat King’s on its own floor 48-46.
“I’m super proud of how we played,” La Center coach Jeremy Ecklund said. “It was a great atmosphere.”
La Center (5-0) led most of the game, but lost the lead in with about five minutes to play. The Wildcats found themselves down by six with two minutes to play.
Two steals led to two La Center baskets and following a defensive stop, La Center made the first of a 1 and 1 free throw, Cedric Hubler stole the rebound from a King’s player and was able to score to put La Center head 48-46 with 13 seconds to play.
King’s never got off a good final shot against La Center’s swarming defense.
Hunter Ecklund led La Center in scoring with 18 points.
LA CENTER 48, KING’S 46
LA CENTER (5-0) — Hunter Ball 2, Tobey Deemer 8, Parker Ball 8, Shawn Child 0, Evan Norris 5, Riley Fender 0, Cedric Hubler 7, Hunter Ecklund 18. Totals 17 (5) 9-16 48.
KING’S (3-3) — Shane McGaughey-Fick 2, Davis Campbell 0, Jordan Hansen 10, Matt Amano 0, Will Pohland 2, Tyler Linhardt 27, Tyler Durbin 3, Jaron Hansen 2. Totals 17 (6) 6-8 46.
La Center 14 12 13 9–48
King’s 12 7 17 10–46
JV — King’s won; C — King’s won
