The Mercer Island girls fought off a late rally from West Seattle to beat the Wildcats 52-49 Tuesday, Feb. 18 at Ingraham High School. With the win, the girls secured a spot in the regional tournament. Jess Blakeslee led the Islanders in scoring with 16 points, and Jamie Mounger had 14 points. The Islanders have their work cut out for them in the next round, as they take on reigning 3A state champions Cleveland High School at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20 at Bellevue College.

It was a rough outing for the Mercer Island boys basketball team in their district matchup against O’Dea High School. Trailing O’Dea by seven after the first quarter, the Fighting Irish defense held the Islanders to three points in the second quarter, heading into halftime up 35-12. O’Dea kept the offense coming in the second half, cruising to a 77-32 win. Despite the loss, the Islanders still have a chance to advance to the regional tournament. Mercer Island will take on Bainbridge High School in a lose-out game at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 at Bellevue College.