AJ Myers was two steals shy of a triple-double as the Wildcats won a Class 1A district playoff game for the first time in a decade.
Myers “came up big for us,” first-year La Center coach Jon Schroeder said of the player’s 12 points, 10 rebounds and eight steals.
The Wildcats (14-7) advance to a game Thursday at W.F. West High School in Chehalis against Hoquiam (17-3).
After a shaky start, Monday was for celebrating.
“It was kind of an ugly game for both teams,” Schroeder said, as the Wildcats overcame turnover troubles and starting exposing Elma’s lack of quickness by getting to the rim in the second half. Only one of La Center’s 21 field goals was from 3-point range.
“This is the first time in 10 basketball seasons that La Center has won a district basketball game,” Schroeder said. “That’s a big thing for us as a program. This is kind of a big thing for our community and school. I’m proud of the kids.”
Connor Wonderly had 11 points and five rebounds for La Center, and Matt Braaten scored 10 points.
LA CENTER 54, ELMA 33
ELMA (3-19) — Collins 3, Farr 0, Nauman 8, Sayler 0, Stark 3, Wriffe 0, Z.Osgood 0, S.Osgood 0, Bremer 12, Stevens 1, Wilson 5, Davis 1. Totals 12 (4) 5-18 33.
LA CENTER (14-7) — Wyatt Aguirre 7, Dylan King 2, Connor Wonderly 11, Matt Braaten 10, Jamison Benitez 2, Jonathan Griffee 1, Jeremiah Arn 4, Zach Brown 3, AJ Myers 12, Levi Van Tol 2, Max Hiller 0, Chase Davison 0. Totals 21 (1) 11-17 54.
