It was the final tuneup before the postseason for the Washington boys’ basketball team on Thursday and the No. 3 Demons did just enough to fend off Solon 41-34 in a possible playoff preview.

The home Demons had the edge in a slow going first half with a 8-7 lead after one and 20-12 advantage at the break. The Spartans controlled the third to tie it at 27-27 heading into the final period, but a 14-7 close for the orange and black sealed the victory. The defense carried a Washington team that struggled to shoot five of 23 from long range. Kasen Bailey led the way with 17 points and eight rebounds while Ethan Patterson finished with 10 points. 

The Demons conclude the regular season 18-3 and now gear up for a first round class 3A substate game hosting South Tama (2-20) on Monday. The winner will play either Solon (13-9) or Center Point Urbana (8-13) on Thursday. Listen to the entire Washington postseason run on FM 106.1 KCII.