The W.F. West boys basketball team got off to a quick start on Tuesday, but Columbia River kicked it into gear and defeated the Bearcats 68-50 in a 2A District 4 semifinal.
The Bearcats (15-6, 11-1 2A EvCo) scored 10 of the first 12 points of the game, but Tyler Klatush had to head to the bench early with two fouls.
The Rapids took advantage, taking control of the game by going on an 11-1 run to end the first and never looking back. By halftime, Columbia River was up by eight, and it was up to 19 heading into the fourth.
Grady Westlund led the Bearcats with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks, while Gage Brumfield added 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Klatush and Parker Eiswald scored nine each, and Klatush added five rebounds. Lucas Hoff scored eight points.
With the loss, the Bearcats move to a winner-to-state elimination game against Tumwater on Thursday at W.F. West.
