ROSALIA — A cold second quarter proved too much to overcome for Crest High’s boys Thursday.
The Lancers, trailing 9-7 entering the frame, wound up with a 12-point deficit to Madison at halftime of their Class 1A-I Substate Tournament semifinal.
After slowly whittling away at the deficit, the Lancers got within 3 points in the game’s final minute.
The rally ended there, however, as Madison sealed the game at the line, winning 43-37.
The setback ends the Lancers’ season at 10-10.
“The second quarter was a little rough,” Crest head coach Dakotah Sporing said. “Madison played well and made plays. They just beat us to some loose balls.”
The spurt allowed the Bulldogs to pull into the half leading 27-15.
Crest stayed within shouting distance in the third period, before giving the Bulldogs a chance to score in the final eight minutes.
Senior Ryan Golden drilled a 3-pointer to pull Crest to within three.
“But we traded turnovers pretty quickly and missed some shots,” Sporing said. “Then it got to the point where we had to foul.”
Madison’s point guard, Colton Isch, hit the decisive free throws to seal the win.
Golden ended with a team-high 13 points and nine rebounds. Sophomore Drake Weir added nine points, while senior Rogan Weir pulled down six rebounds and passed out three assists. Golden also had two blocks.
Sporing said Golden — the only returning starter from last year’s squad — and Rogan Weir will be missed.
“They were both huge for us,” Sporing said. “Rogan was my point guard and Ryan our main post player. When they were clicking, it was fun to watch. We’re gonna miss them for sure.”
But the Lancers will return a substantial amount of experience next season with juniors Gentry McGhee, Denton Ramsey, and Jacob Zimmerman in the fold, and talented sophomores Henry White, Levi Prasko and Drake Weir.
Tack on some freshmen eager to get their shot at varsity, and a deep, talented incoming eighth-grade class, and the Lancers could be a handful for the foreseeable future.
