The visiting Panthers took charge in the third quarter then sealed the non-league win from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter.
Washougal outscored La Center 11-4 in the third quarter to lead by four points, then kept the advantage by converting 13 of 18 foull shots in the fourth quarter.
Three players scored in double figures for the Panthers (4-3). Curtis Crosby had 15 points, Collin Prangley 14 and Brody Oberg 11.
Brody Seter led La Center (4-3) with 17 points and hit a string of fourth-quarter baskets to keep the Wildcats within striking distance. But La Center never had possession in the fourth quarter with a chance to tie.
Jake Wise added 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats.
La Center led by three points at halftime after outscoring Washougal by 11 in the second quarter when five Wildcats contributed points. But the Wildcats managed only four points in the third quarter.
“We got the looks we wanted, we just couldn’t put the ball in the hoop,” said La Center coach Jeremy Ecklund, describing his team’s energy level as flat.
WASHOUGAL 58, LA CENTER 53
WASHOUGAL (4-5) — Daniel Davis 4, Collin Prangley 14, Brody Oberg 11, Jake Klackner 8, LKade Coons 0, Curtis Crosby 15, Matt Rotundo 3, Josh Bischoff 3. Totals 19 (5) 15-23 58.
LA CENTER (4-3) — Avery Seter 7, Jake Morris 0, Matt Baher 1, Jake Wise 15, Brody Seter 17, Jon Eastman 5, Dalton Morgan 6, Austin Paradis 0, Jack Hiller 2. Totals 18 (5) 12-19 53.
Washougal 19 6 11 22–58
La Center 11 17 4 21–53
JV — Washougal won. C — Washougal won.
