On Tuesday, Feb. 27, the South Loup Bobcats hosted the Plainview Pirates in the district finals. On the line was the opportunity to advance to the state tournament.

It was anticipated that this game would be a sure-fire close one, as it was the #8 seed in the state against the #9 seed in the state. The packed bleachers for both Plainview and South Loup made for a great atmosphere.

To begin the game the Pirates got off to a hot start.

After the first two possessions, the Pirates would lead the Bobcats 5-0. The Bobcats would battle back to get on track, winning the quarter with a score at the end of the first Bobcats 13, Pirates 12.

The two teams would battle back and forth and both teams would compound offensive scores with defensive stops. The two teams would leave little room for error for the other team, converting on every mistake the other made. The first half would come to a close and after an evenly matched box score in the second, the Bobcats would lead at the half 26-25.

The second half picked up where the first half left off, with the same style of ballplaying. At the end of the third quarter, the box score would be tied as it seemed to be the rest of the game with the Bobcats up by one.

 A buzzer-beater shot from 3-point range by the Pirates would change the score as they would take a lead going into the fourth.

The fourth quarter had an electric atmosphere in the gym that would be unmatched. Both teams and fan bases knew what was at stake. Late down the stretch, Trey Connell of the South Loup Bobcats would tie up the game after two made free throws with 24 seconds left.

The Pirates brought the ball up the court and called a timeout to set up one final play, hoping to end the game in regulation. The Pirates were able to convert, leaving little time for the Bobcats to score.

The Bobcats would be unable to answer and would fall to the Pirates 55-53. The Pirates would clinch their spot in the state tournament and the Bobcat’s season would come to a heartbreaking end.

Cache Gracey led the scoring for the Bobcats, tallying 19 points. Trey Connell also hit double-digit scoring with 12, while Dylan Pandorf and Joey Sallach each contributed 9 to the scoreboard.

Crew Witthuhn was key on the defensive side of the ball for the Bobcats, snagging 8 rebounds. Plainview did a good job of taking care of the ball when it was in their possession, as the Bobcats typically get several steals in a game. Connell was held to 2 steals in the game, and Sallach and Rio Remund each had 1 steal.

Next week we will recap the Bobcat’s winter sports season as we prepare for the launch of spring sports.