A dominating performance on the defensive end of the floor propelled the Mount Si Wildcats boys basketball team to a victory against the Richland Bombers on the hardwood.

Mount Si, which led Richland 24-17 at halftime, registered a gritty 60-54 win against Richland in a regional playoff game on Feb. 23 at Issaquah High School. Mount Si improved its overall record to 24-2 courtesy of the triumph. It was their 18th consecutive win. The Wildcats knocked down 14 free throws in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Richland had scored more than 90 points in five games throughout the 2018-19 season but were slowed down by Mount Si’s commitment on the defensive end of the floor.

Mount Si senior guard Brett Williams, who scored 16 points in the win, said his team focused on defense during the previous week of practice in preparation for the Bombers.

“We worked really hard in practice to make sure we kept them out of their stuff (offensive system). Obviously it translated onto the floor today, so we’re pretty excited about that,” Williams said.

Mount Si senior Jonny Barrett, who scored 13 points in the contest, concurred with Williams’ assessment.

“Our team is all about defense. We’ve been preaching it all season. We didn’t expect them to score too much tonight,” Barrett said.

The Wildcats will compete in the Class 4A state quarterfinals on Feb. 28 at the Tacoma Dome.

“It is amazing. We’re looking forward to it a lot. The next week of practice we are going to be going super hard. We just can’t wait for it. It is going to be awesome,” Williams said.

Barrett was thrilled to see his team check off another box on its hearty list of goals.

“Today was really good, we accomplished another one of our goals. First it was KingCo, districts and now we are in the quarterfinals,” Barrett said.

Mount Si Wildcats senior Jonny Barrett, who will play football at Darmouth next fall, made several key baskets in the regional playoff game against the Richland Bombers. Barrett finished the game with 13 points. Photo courtesy of Calder Productions

Mount Si Wildcats guard Brett Williams, (No. 14), scored a team-high 16 points against the Richland Bombers on Feb. 23. Mount Si defeated Richland 60-54. Photo courtesy of Calder Productions