LAPWAI, ID- For the fourth consecutive year, the Lapwai Wildcats are the 1A D1 district champions. They beat potlatch 65-53 to punch their ticket to the state tournament.

"It never gets old. Every game is going to be an eventful game. Every time we play them, we know it's going to come down to a couple of turnovers or made shots," said Lapwai head coach Zach Eastman.

It was a jam packed crowd to see the two teams face off for their third meeting this season.

Kase Wynott recorded a triple double 29 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. Ahlius Yearout was also in double figures with 10 points.

"We know where everyone's at. We know when what plays work, what plays are the best, and how to get the ball moving and to certain players. Getting open threes and looks inside," Yearout said.

Chase Lovell led potlatch with 20 points, while his brother Everett had 14 points.

As the game progressed, Lapwai made some defensive adjustments to control the pace of the game.

"I thought that our man to man would be able to push them a little faster. In the second half, I wanted to slow us down a little bit. We had some foul trouble, so to protect some of our guys i wanted to put them in a zone situation," Eastman said.

Now, the wildcats are heading to state. They're hoping to finish what they started, dating back to last year's overtime loss in the title game.

"It feels good, to get back and want to get there and hopefully get another chance at the state championship," Yearout said.

"We have players that know what that feeling is like of losing. As a coach, that's a way for me to motivate them everyday."

The Wildcats will have a week of rest before heading to Vallivue high school February 29th