By Tim Clinton
SPORTS EDITOR

West Seattle knocked off Rainier Beach by a 61-56 score Thursday to capture third place in the Metro League boys basketball tournament.

The Wildcats earned a first round bye at the Sea-King District tournament, opening instead against a to be determined opponent at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Chief Sealth gymnasium.
West Seattle finished fourth in the league during the regular season behind Nathan Hale, Garfield and Rainier Beach.

Chief Sealth, meanwhile, took an 81-61 loss to Cleveland at Garfield Thursday to fall into a 5:45 p.m. district qualifying game against Ballard at Garfield on Friday.