MATTAWA - The Wahluke High boys raced to a 13-0 lead Saturday and defeated Royal, 72-47, to accomplish a couple of important goals.

The Warriors avenged a 5-point loss to the Knights earlier in the season and set themselves up for the upcoming SCAC district tournament.

The Warrios play at Warden tonight to settle fourth place and the last tourney berth. The two teams are tied.

The early explosion against Royal was keyed by two three-pointers from Oscar Onofre, who finished the game with a team-leading 21 points. The Knights couldn't buy a shot, and the Warriors couldn't miss in a 23-6 period.

"That must have been their best shooting night of the year," Royal coach Pete Christensen said.

"Royal had a great shooting night against us earlier in the season," Warrior coach Jeff Ahmann said. "So on Saturday evening we needed to prove to ourselves that should not have happened."

Ahmann challenged his players to not allow Royal to score in the first period, and they almost pulled it off. After the 23-6 lead quarter, they never looked back.

"Our pressure defense and, finally, a great night of shooting (54 percent), with four players in double figures, showed what we could do when we combine our defensive effort and solid shooting performance," Ahmann said.

"This was a great win for the Warriors and much needed if we are to stay in playoff contention."

Wahluke scoring was: Collin Ahmann 6, Librado Barajas 10, Saul Ramos 4, Oscar Onofre 21, Eduardo Ponce 2, Gabino Abarca 6, Alan Caro 13, and Jose Espindola 10.

Royal scoring was: Aaron Johnson 26, Riley Lefler 9, Teddy Mead 6, Chase Christensen 4, and Jonathan Partida 2.