A 23-point fourth quarter lifted the visiting Hilanders to the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League win.
Prairie (7-12, 1-4 GSHL) needs a win on Thursday at Fort Vancouver to advance to the postseason.
The game was tied entering the fourth quarter but Kelso (14-5, 4-1) found its offense down the stretch then sealed the win by converting 9 of 12 foul shots.
Prairie coach Kyle Brooks said the Highlanders did a nice job of attacking the basket to get to the free-throw line, whereas his team went to the line only once in the fourth quarter.
Michael Stockbridge led Prairie with 17 points and Seth Hall scored 13. Three Kelso players scored in double figures, led by Blake Hampton’s 21 points.
KELSO 56, PRAIRIE 47
KELSO — Mike Pierce 0, Blake Hampton 21, Xavier Parker-Mendez 10, Nate Solomon 13, Jared Bowlby 7, Quinton McDaniel 2, Zak Schueller 3. Totals 20 (4) 12-14 56.
PRAIRIE — Jacob Davidson 3, Palmer Goecke 2, Koy Osborn 0, Michael Stockbridge 17, Seth Hall 13, Walker Hausherr 0, Brandon Crosby 0, Greg Bernash 8, Dwayne Stewart 4. Totals 18 (6) 5-6 47.
Kelso 15 5 13 23—56
Prairie 4 16 13 14—47
JV — Prairie 48-38. C — Prairie 54-46.
