UNIVERSITY PLACE - It took some last-second heroics, but the Vashon boys basketball team is going to the state tournament for the first time in school history.

Calvin Ento scored on an inside shot with 2 seconds left to lift Vashon past Steilacoom 49-48 yesterday and earn the Pirates a spot in the Class 2A state tournament at the SunDome in Yakima.

Steilacoom (18-6) entered the West Central 2A District tournament as one of the favorites to make it to the state tournament. However, the Sentinels had no answers for Ento's last-second heroics.

Vashon (18-7) had to survive two loser-out games in the last week to earn its firsttrip to state.

"I've been here for four years and put so much effort into it, and for it to happen my senior year is great," said Derek Shride, who had nine points.

Vashon got off to a fast start, leading 14-5 after one quarter. But Steilacoom came back and led 23-22 at halftime. The game remained close throughout the second half. The score was tied four times in the fourth quarter before Steilacoom grabbed a 48-47 lead on a free throw by Brian Ford with 12 seconds left.

Vashon took the ball inbounds and, instead of taking a timeout, worked the ball inside to Ento, who scored on a shot close to the basket for the game-winning points.

Steilacoom's Naaman Hinton missed a long shot at the buzzer.

Vashon helped itself in the fourth quarter by making 10 of 11 free throws in the final 8 minutes.

Ento led Vashon with 16 points while Jeff Tucker added 12.

Hinton had 15 points to lead Steilacoom while Ford and Chris Simmons each added 12.

Girls game

Orting 41, Steilacoom 27 - Orting won the second-place game in the West Central 2A District tournament and clinched a state berth. Steilacoom was eliminated from state contention.