Taylor Stephens’ bucket with 4 seconds to play on an assist from Natasha Lewis proved to be the game-winner to give the Wildcats their first win.
Kelso had a chance on its final possession for the possible game-tying or game-winning points, but its shot was no good.
Stephens finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and six blocks. Lewis, finishing with four points, had what coach Herm VanWeerdhuizen a huge game with a team-high 11 rebounds.
La Center trailed 8-0 early before battling back in the back-and-forth game.
LA CENTER 39, KELSO 37
KELSO (2-3) — Natalie Frey 4, Alexis Kieven 3, Cooper Joy 0, Erin Tack 7, Alexandra Harman 9, Evermore Kaiser 4, Capri Franzen 6, Kylee Gibbs 4, Megan Skeels. Totals 15 (5) 2-4 37.