9:29 PM: West Seattle High School is also sending its girls’ team to the state tournament. The Wildcats just beat Holy Names 47-35 to clinch the spot. This game also was played at Bellevue College; details and photos when we get back to HQ.

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

ADDED 3:20 AM: This was a little rough in the early going, with Holy Names’ defense succeeding for a while in keeping West Seattle from getting inside, forcing tough-to-land outside shots. But the Wildcats kept battling back.

That aggressive style, though, got them into foul trouble fairly quickly, giving Holy Names so many foul shots that those compromised much of the Cougars’ scoring. Nonetheless, WSHS stayed in command, with a 22-10 lead at halftime. Scoring leaders were #4, junior Carmen Cruz and #20, sophomore Colby Timmons.

Head coach Darnell Taylor‘s Wildcats play their final district game at 4:45 pm today (Saturday) at Bellevue College (3000 Landerholm Circle SE) vs. Eastside Catholic – winner takes 5th place, but both teans are guaranteed trips to the state tournament, which runs February 21-March 4.n