TACOMA — The Kingston Buccaneers faced three loser-out games following a loss to Sumner during the district playoffs. One slip-up and the Bucs would be eliminated from the road to the 2A Hardwood Classic.

The Bucs, however, were able to handle the situation.

On Tuesday, the Bucs defeated Foster High School 54-41 in their fourth game and third win in a row. Coach Blake Conley said playing four games in a row, all of which could mean the end of the Bucs’ postseason, “can have a toll.”

However, “We have mentally tough kids in the first place,” Conley said.

Standout players that helped the Bucs push past Foster into the Regional Tournament, included Brady Sundquist and his help at defense, Cody Combs’ two three-pointers, Lucas Mays’ six points in the fourth quarter and Richie Sander’s defense. Sander also scored 13 points. Combs scored 11.

The Bucs are the last basketball team from the North Kitsap School District to continue to the Regional Tournament Friday. The Bucs face Cedarcrest (17-6) at Stanwood High School at 6 p.m. The winner of that game moves on to the Hardwood Classic at the Takima SunDome March 1. After the Regional Tournament, a draw to determine the first round match-ups for the Hardwood Classic will take place Feb. 26.

Cedarcrest is a fast team that creates a high tempo on the court, according to Conley. The team is relatively small in height, so Conley expects them to shoot three-pointers. This will be the first time in program history the Bucs have faced Cedarcrest.

To counter Cedarcrest’s quick play, Conley said the Bucs will need to get back on defense, use their size and the strength they have down low. The Bucs will need to contest as many shots as possible.

“It’s going to be a tough test,” Conley said.