The Falcons played a thriller Saturday pulling out a win in the final ticks of the clock against Camas at Rogers High in Puyallup.

The Kentlake girls 39-38 victory in the 4A regional basketball round of the state championship handed the Falcons the No. 1 seed and a first round bye, which means three games rather than four to win the title.

Kentlake was scheduled to play the winner of Kentridge vs. Todd Beamer Thursday at the Tacoma Dome, past the press deadline.

If the Falcons win the team will play at 7:15 p.m. Friday at the Dome.

The regional game against Camas was a battle from the opening bell.

“We just played a very, very good team,” coach GC Hillburn said. “I don’t know if it was jitters, or everyone being a little bit tougher to score on, but both teams just really battled in the half court on both ends.”

Forward Aniston Denckla led the scoring for Kentlake with 15, but there were few easy buckets or rebounds.

“I was really, really pleased with the effort of my kids,” Hillburn said. “I thought they fought the entire game. That was evident to the end.”

With 1 minute, 5 seconds remaining in the contest, Kentlake was down by one, 38-37.

Denckla drove the lane and Camas sent her to the line. She tied up the score and dropped in the second to give Kentlake a 39-38 advantage it would take home.

The final minute was a defensive arm wrestling match with both teams getting a chance to close the deal.

“Let’s be honest,” Hillburn said. “We got a little bit lucky there and in some ways they got a little bit lucky that we missed shot off the inbounds play. I know there was so many possessions we kept alive and won because how hard my kids fought. That’s what it comes down to this time of year. Anytime you win a game now it’s a good win. I don’t care how it comes; we’ll take it.”

The closing minutes like the rest of the game was trench war in the lane and on the boards.

“I am really blessed with intelligent kids,” Hillburn said. “They listen to what I have them do. They executed and combined with how hard my kids fought, I am proud of their effort on both ends of the floor.”

The victory No. 23 for the Falcons overall with four loses.

Kentlake’s RPI is No. 2 with a rating of .65015. Bothell is No. 1 at .67299.