The Central Kitsap girls basketball team fell to West Seattle 48-37 in the first round of the 3A state playoffs Feb. 21.

The Cougars offense started on the right note, taking a 4-2 lead. Abi Lundblad scored four of the first seven points for the Cougs in the paint.

The teams battled until Maddy Higgs nailed a jump shot at the buzzer to give the Cougars an 11-9 lead after the first quarter.

But then CK’s offense began to fall apart. Although the Cougars shot efficiently, the squad either made a basket or turned the ball over.

Therefore, West Seattle outscored CK 14-6 in the second quarter to take a 26-17 lead at halftime. During that span, West Seattle nailed three three-pointers in a row before the Cougars were able to respond.

Six different Cougs scored in the quarter, including Sam Schaeffer’s last-second layup to keep it close.

Both teams were quiet in the third quarter, combining for 15 points in eight minutes. Lundblad, Schaeffer and Jada Kopp were the only Cougar scorers that period.

CK fell way behind in the last quarter, 42-24, before making a comeback, outscoring the winners 13-6 in the remaining minutes.

Sophia Driskell led the late charge with eight of the Cougars 11 points.

The Cougars ended the season with a record of 12-11.