Wenatchee High School was a little bit more lively today since the boys basketball team has qualified for State after a neck-and-neck battle with the cross-river rival Eastmont Wildcats, winning 45-35, for the third time this season.

Junior Chase Resch was the leading scorer against the Wildcats with 11 points.

“I didn’t expect to be the leading scorer, but it just kind of happened,” Resch said. “My shots were falling and I had confidence.”

The Moses Lake Chiefs will visit WHS Saturday at 7 p.m., when the Panthers will battle for the District title. The winner and loser advance to State, which begins Feb. 28.

Regionals, the first phase of the playoffs, will begin with a game “close to home,” according to WHS Athletic Director BJ Kuntz.

If the Panthers win in this round, they will advance to State play in Tacoma March 6-8.

Girls basketball travels to Davis tonight, attempting to secure a spot at State.