Sea-King 3A Boys Basketball | W. Seattle ends O'Dea reign

West Seattle's Wildcats gave coach Bob Wilzen a great parting gift.

In his seventh and final year as boys basketball coach, Wilzen's team stunned perennial state power O'Dea 39-37 Tuesday at Ingraham High School in the first round of the Sea-King 3A District tournament.

The loss ended the season for the Irish and gave Wilzen and West Seattle at least two more games.

"This is something I'll keep with me," Wilzen said.

West Seattle (11-13) plays ninth-ranked Bellevue at Bellevue Community College on Thursday, when the tournament becomes double-elimination.

The Irish (16-7) won last year's state championship and three of the last four. They had gone to state in 14 of the previous 15 seasons.

"It feels real good," said Wildcats senior guard Darnell Gross after the victory. "It feels like heaven. It feels so sweet right now."

Neither team led by more than five, but West Seattle opened a 34-30 lead with about four minutes to play.

O'Dea went on a 7-2 run for a 37-36 lead with just under a minute left. But Malcholm Love's two free throws at 34.9 seconds gave the Wildcats a one-point lead.

After West Seattle made a defensive stop, T.J. Lee was fouled and made one of two free throws with 18.1 seconds to go for the final margin. O'Dea got a few decent last looks, but was unable to score and return to state for a sixth straight year.

"We can't win it every year," said Irish coach Phil Lumpkin.

On Dec. 7, O'Dea skimmed by West Seattle 58-57. Based on that close game and the Wildcats having won three of four entering Tuesday's game, they knew they could knock off the defending champs.

"We were very confident and had a good feeling about it," said Love, who scored 16 points.

Wilzen's retirement will be delayed, which is fine with him.

"The kids gave me a great gift," he said.

Other games

Issaquah 75,

Bishop Blanchet 58 (loser out)

At Sammamish High School, All-KingCo guards Matt Lapasin and Bren Hobzek scored 27 and 20 points, respectively, as the Eagles (17-8) eliminated the Braves (8-16). Issaquah faces sixth-ranked Seattle Prep Friday at BCC. Blanchet trailed 19-6 after one quarter but had cut the lead to 34-32 early in the third period. The Eagles then went on an 11-0 run. Issaquah shot 53 percent from the field and 82 percent from the free-throw line (19 for 23). Brian Matous scored 24 and Stephen Reinhart 16 for Blanchet.

Cleveland 83, Newport 58 (loser out)

At Sammamish, Cedric Clarington scored 22 as the Eagles used their speed to end the Knights' season. Michael Crudup scored 14 for Cleveland (14-7), which plays fourth-ranked Mercer Island Friday night at BCC. Richard Woodworth and Collin Bennett each scored 16 for Newport (10-13).

Skyline 69, Bainbridge 50 (loser out)

At Ingraham, Skyline led 34-32 before going on a 19-2 run. Nick Crossan scored 15 for the Spartans (15-9), who play Rainier Beach Thursday at BCC. Nick Fling scored 19 for Bainbridge (14-10), last year's Class 3A state runner-up.

Times staff reporter Craig Smith

contributed to this report.