The ‘Cats traveled to Ellis David Field House Wednesday night to take on Molina in their last district game of the season and came away with a 75-63 win.

After Creekview pounded Richardson Tuesday night, the 'Cats went into Wednesday's game knowing a win meant they were in the playoffs

With the victory over Molina, the 'Cats secured that playoff spot by finishing fourth place in District 9-5A.

That's the good news.

The bad news? The ‘Cats bi-district opponent is Garland Lakeview Centennial, currently ranked 3rd in the state with an overall record of 26-3.

Led by Junior guard, Toddrick Gotcher, the Patriots went undefeated in District 10-5A play and enter the playoffs on a 17-game win streak.

Clearly, the ‘Cats will have their hands full for their first round game.

Remember though, while on paper the Patriots are the clear favorite, there's the matter of an early season match-up between the two teams that can't be ignored.

Back on December 11th, for their first of two games in the Brooke Nichols Shootout, the ‘Cats faced off against Garland Lakeview Centennial in their own gym, and nearly came away with the win. You can read our write-up on that game here.

The ‘Cats had a seven point lead after the 1st quarter and went to the locker room tied 28-28 against the then 9th ranked team in the state.

Coach Wylie and company were down by as many as nine points in the 4th quarter before storming back and narrowly missing the win on a potential game winning buzzer beater.

While LHHS senior forward Aaron Mazibuko’s potential game winner from the top of the key didn’t fall, the 65-63 loss gives both teams something to think about. The 'Cats had every opportunity to win that game, and they'll be taking that knowledge into the bi-district contest next Tuesday night.

The close game against the state-ranked Patriots wasn’t a fluke, either.

Six times this season the Wildcats have faced off against top 20 teams in the state. None of those games ended up in the win column for the ‘Cats, but only one was decided by more than four points.

Coach Wylie’s squad has struggled at times this season and, at times, have had a few people doubting their ability to even make the playoffs. However, when playing their best, the 'Cats can run with anybody.

Finishing district play on a three-game win streak, including their huge win over Carrollton Creekview, might prove to be just what the Wildcats need for an upset over the state’s 3rd ranked team next Tuesday night.

We'll update this article as soon as we get word on a location and time of Tuesday's game. You know we'll be there cheering.

Update: The bi-district game will be played at Plano East High School next Tuesday night at 7:30pm.

GO ‘CATS!