(UPDATED SUNDAY with details of WSHS’s next game)

(WSB photos: WSHS #20 Grace Sarver)

4:58 PM: As we left the Bellevue College gym following the West Seattle High School girls’ 48-44 loss to Mercer Island this afternoon, WSHS principal Ruth Medsker pointed something out:

The team is exactly where it was at this point last year – taking fourth place in the district playoffs.

The next game, in the “regional round” to winnow the field for the 3A state tournament, is must-win. The Wildcats have at least six days to rest up for it, after the grueling past two weeks of tournament play, which have been rocky, with their only three losses of the year, following an undefeated regular season and a long list of Metro League honors.

Today’s game ended in nerve-wracking fashion for WSHS fans. Things looked a little gloomy at the end of the first quarter, down 20-7. They got within two points and then went into the locker room at the half down 28-24.

Midway through the third quarter, they pulled even at 28-28. But shooting trouble and multiple traveling violations didn’t help their case and they were down four points again at the end of the third. They stepped up the defense to keep the Islanders from pulling away, but even the foul shots weren’t going in. Nonetheless, the battle continued, and within 18 seconds left they were just one basket down, 46-44. Mercer Island took the ball from there, and to keep them from running the clock out, there was nothing to do but foul, and both shots went in. WSHS couldn’t convert after that, and the game ended 48-44.

Today’s top scorers: #32 Lydia Giomi with 22, #30 Lexi Ioane with 10, #20 Gabby Sarver with 5, #21 Grace Sarver with 4, #3 Izzy Turk with 3.

The Wildcats’ next game will be listed here when the regional field is set.

12:16 AM UPDATE: According to the bracket, WSHS will play the defending 3A state champions, undefeated Lynnwood, at regionals, time/location still TBA.

4:49 PM SUNDAY UPDATE: Time and place now set – WSHS will face Lynnwood at 2 pm NOON next Saturday (February 27th) at Mountlake Terrace HS EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE (2000 Tower).