The rivalry atmosphere at A.J. Strom gymnasium was not be denied Saturday, Jan. 16 in Toppenish as the Toppenish Wildcats and Wapato Wolves battled it out on the hardwood before a packed house.
The Wolves prevailed 62-45 over the Wildcats in CWAC league action, keeping Wapato (6-2) in third place behind league leading Ephrata (8-0) and Selah (7-1).  Only one more game remains in the first round of league play for Wapato against Ephrata on Friday night, Jan. 22 before the second round begins Saturday against Grandview.
Senior Matt Guevara of Wapato continued with his torrid shooting pace to lead the way with 22 points.  Rigo Alvarado who scored 13 points, included three 3-pointers helped him.  Wapato’s defense was able to hold the Wildcats to just four points in the second quarter and took a commanding 31-18 lead into halftime.
The Wolves outscored Toppenish in the second half adding 31 points while allowing the Wildcats just 27.  Senior 5-9 guard Jakee Stahi scored 12 points for the Wildcats and was aided by Ian Frank and sophomore Kyle Jamison off the bench who both scored seven points each.
The game was as physical as most Toppenish-Wapato games.  Wapato’s swarming defense created trouble for the Wildcats, who committed numerous turnovers.
The Wildcats continue league play with only one game this weekend at East Valley Saturday night, Jan. 23.