By Dannie Oliveaux

The Courier Herald

The Yelm Tornadoes led from start to finish, defeating the Bonney Lake High girls 60-50 in the first round of the Class 3A West Central/Southwest bidistrict tournament Wednesday at Clover Park High School.

The victory sent Yelm to the state tournament, slated for March 11-14 in the Tacoma Dome.

Bonney Lake will face Lindbergh at 6 p.m. Friday at Clover Park. The Eagles advanced with a 61-45 win over Camas.

For the Panthers to reach the state tournament for the first time in the young school’s history, they need two more wins and can go as the No. 4 or No. 6 seed. A loss Friday would end the Panthers’ season.

Rani Wiegand paced Bonney Lake with 18 points before fouling out with 17 seconds remaining. Marcel Pounds chipped in with 14 and Rochelle Murray added 11.

Reach Dannie Oliveaux at doliveaux@courierherald.com or 360-820-8209.