The Cedarcrest High School boys basketball team eliminated rival Archbishop Murphy from playoff contention Wednesday, Feb. 16.

The Red Wolves now play Anacortes, 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, at Mount Vernon High School, with the winner claiming a state ticket.

On Wednesday, Cedarcrest took command with a first quarter 13-8 lead, pulling to 26-18 at the half, ending 67-50.

Andrew Alness finished the game with 24 points six three-pointers on the night. Zach Taylor had 18 points and three steals, and went 10 for 10 from the free throw line, while Colton Rekers had 13 points, most in the second half.

Taylor led the team with 10 rebounds, while Tanner Marty had seven. Chris Dowd and Taylor each had four assists.

“We outrebounded Archbishop Murphy for the first time all season,” coach Micah Rieke told the Record. “We outrebounded them 29-27, which is amazing, considering that they are a much taller team and they have a lot more size and length than us. They beat us on the boards in the regular season, but not in the post season.

A win Friday means the first state trip in Tolt/Cedarcrest basketball history since 1957, Rieke said. Anacortes fought their way back through the losers bracket to play the Red Wolves again.

“It should be a great contest,” Rieke said. “The boys are super excited!”

The game will be broadcast live