MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake boys basketball couldn’t hang on in the end as Wenatchee came back to win in the fourth quarter on Friday, 77-68.

The Chiefs stayed toe-to-toe with the Panthers through the first, taking a narrow lead into the second quarter. The Moses Lake crowd took a collective deep breath as senior Kyle Karstetter left the floor late in the quarter, only to return full force in the second half.

Moses Lake led 15-12 going into the second.

Moses Lake kept a strong presence on the board all game, as both teams picked up the pace offensively in the second quarter. The Chiefs managed to keep their narrow margin, taking a 36-32 advantage into the locker room at the half.

Karstetter was able to get some momentum finally going in the third, as he and senior Logan Sperline combined for 14 in the quarter. The Chiefs took a five-point margin into the fourth quarter, up 54-49.

The Panthers managed to control the pace more in the second half, gaining momentum on the offensive end. Wenatchee poured in 28 points in its fourth-quarter comeback. Moses Lake would surrender its lead finally midway through the fourth.

Crucial trips came up empty in the end as the Panthers hit free throws down the stretch to hold on for the win.

Sperline led the Chiefs with 18 points, adding three rebounds and a pair of assists. Karstetter finished with 12 points, five rebounds and a block, despite finishing the first half with just two points in limited minutes.

First-year head coach Jake Hunt said it was an emotional night watching his seniors in their final home game. This group of players, Hunt said, has fought their way up the ranks, from C-team all the way through varsity.

“They played for just about every team we have, so it’s pretty special to see those guys come up and play all four years,” he said. “And you don’t get that often, kids that stick with it, but they were committed to it.”

Hunt said the Chiefs will look to build off the positives from the first half as they head into their play-in game next week, a rematch against the Panthers.

“We were right there, much better than the first time we played them up there,” Hunt said. “But, now the guys know we can compete with them on the road. Anything can happen on the road.”

The Moses Lake head coach said they’ll look to control the tempo and play the game at their pace, while, hopefully, bringing the same effort on the glass on Tuesday.

The Chiefs will travel to Wenatchee for their play-in game, with tipoff set for 6 p.m.

Selkirk 47, Almira/Coulee-Hartline 44

MEDICAL LAKE — Almira/Coulee-Hartline fell in the District 7 semifinals to Selkirk 47-44.

Grady Murray led the Warriors with 12 points.

Odessa 70, Cusick 56

MEDICAL LAKE — Odessa’ Ryan Moffet scored 22 points to break the state’s scoring record and Odessa advanced to the District 7 finals with a win against Cusick 70-56.