(WSB photos by Patrick Sand – click any image for larger view)

9:56 PM: Two girls-varsity basketball teams with perfect records faced off tonight; only one could remain that way – and in the end, that team was West Seattle High School, with a home-court triumph over Bishop Blanchet, 44-30.

ADDED EARLY THURSDAY: More from the game, ahead:

Top scorers were Lydia Giomi (above right) – just announced as WIAA Player of the Week – with 14, and #30 Lexi Ioane (top photo) with 12.

Izzy Turk (above) was third in scoring with 10 points. WSB’s Patrick Sand reports that this was the most physical game since WSHS played Lynnwood at last year’s state tournament. Blanchet went straight for the ball every time WS touched it.

Their stealing skills brought them within 8 points of the Wildcats in the final quarter, when West Seattle was having some shooting challenges, but regained their footing late in the game and took the win. Our partners at The Seattle Times have a detailed report on the game here.

Head coach Darnell Taylor‘s Wildcats are now 17-0. They are on the road, at Garfield, for their next game, 6:30 pm Friday.