The Bothell High School girls basketball team has had very few problems this year. Its now 23-1 record states that. But the Cougars slow starts have been a concern for head coach Kent Schaefer. The team got off to a good start against Curtis on Friday and instead held steady Friday night against a fourth-quarter comeback attempt.

Ultimately, Bothell defeated Curtis, 45-37, during its regional playoff game at Bellevue College to advance to the state tournament.

Bothell played well during the first quarter, jumping out to a 16-7 lead. Both teams struggled during the second quarter, scoring a combined 11 points, as the Cougars took a 22-12 lead into half time.

Bothell extended that lead by three points during the third quarter but held off Curtis during the fourth quarter as they outscored the Cougars 12-7.

Taya Corosdale led Bothell with 17 points while Sierra Cole had seven points and Erin Burns had six points.

With the win Bothell advances to the 4A state tournament next weekend. The Cougars will find out their first-round opponent on Sunday, as the WIAA seeds the tournament bracket.