OLPE — Marmaton Valley High’s boys never could make up an early deficit Thursday.
The Wildcats fell behind by 11 after one period to Lebo High. The Wolves stayed in front by 10 at halftime, then steadily increased their advantage after intermission in a 60-42 win.
The loss, in the first round of the Class 1A, Division I playoffs, ends the Wildcats’ season at 7-13.
The Wildcats shot well from the field, hitting 15 of 31 attempts.
“We just didn’t shoot enough,” assistant coach Scott Brady said.
Lebo pushed its lead to 48-25 after three quarters before the Wildcats closed the game with a 17-12 scoring advantage.
Cole Becker ended his high school career with a team-high 18 points, followed by Lucas Hamlin with 10, Michael Genn with six and Carlos Gonzales with four. Nathan Smart scored two while Levi Ramsey and Ryan Smith added one point apiece. All but Genn are seniors.
“All six seniors scored at least a point in their final game,” Brady noted.
On the girls’ side, Marmaton Valley lost 55-28 to Hartford, ending the Wildcats’ season with a 6-14 mark.
Wildcat squads bow out in substate play
