A strong defensive effort carried the visiting Wildcats to the non-league win.
Woodland committed 20 turnovers while La Center had only six on a night were points were at a premium for both teams. The Wildcats salted away the win by making five of six free throws after Woodland climbed to within two points with about 40 seconds on the clock.
“It was a heck of a defensive effort on our part,” La Center coach Jeremy Ecklund said. “We held them to 39 points, so we shut them down pretty good. And we only had six turnovers for the game.”
Brody Seter had a solid all-around night for the Wildcats (3-1). He scored 16 points, made five steals, grabbed six rebounds, blocked two shots and had two assists.
Both teams struggled to score in a first quarter that ended with La Center up 5-2. The Wildcats gradually stretched their lead, and took a nine-point advantage into the fourth quarter.
Woodland (1-2) had three players score in double figure, with freshman Tyler Flanagan making four 3-pointers for his 12 points. Two of Flanagan’s baskets were key to the Beavers getting close in the fourth quarter.
The margin and low score was similar to La Center’s win at Woodland on Dec. 3.
Woodland coach Jason Buffman credited La Center with a strong defensive effort, and said his team also played good defense to allow the Beavers to stay close despite some cold shooting to start the game.
LA CENTER 44, WOODLAND 39
LA CENTER (3-1) — Avery Seter 0, Jake Morris 0, Matt Baher 0, Jake Wise 8, Brody Seter 16, Jackson Leslie 11, Jon Eastman 4, Dalton Morgan 5, Austin Paradis 0, Jack Hiller 0. Totals 13 (5) 13-20 44.
WOODLAND (1-2) — Bryce Mulder 3, McKay Flanagan 0, Devin Rice 0, Hayden Huddleston 10, Palmer Dinehart 0, Wyatt Harsh 4, Tanner Sixberry 10, Tristan Thomas, Christian Mendez 0, Tyler Flanagan 12. Totals 15 (6) 3-7 39.
La Center 5 15 15 9–44
Woodland 2 13 11 13–39
JV — Woodland 52-30. C — Woodland 43-35.
