Ellsworth’s Braden Schulte had a night to remember Friday, Jan. 31; however, his game high 24 points still weren’t enough to clinch a Bearcat win. The final score was 47-50 in favor of the Southeast of Saline Trojans during a close game at Ellsworth. Schulte, who dominated the game for the Bearcats, swished a 3-pointer to start the game. Tempers ran high as both teams tried to take the offensive. This tug-of-war was evenly matched. The Bearcats took the lead by the end of the first quarter, ending with a 9-4 score in favor of the Bearcats. Once again both teams show their talent. This quick paced game keeps the crowd on its toes. Both teams thundered up and down the court, scoring and stealing, blocking and fouling. Ellsworth scored the last points before the halftime buzzer sounded, ending the first half with 22-18 Bearcats. After halftime Southeast showed the crowd they were still in the game. Southeast fights on the offense and wins. The third quarter ended with 34-30 in favor of Southeast. As fourth quarter started, the noise in the gym reached fever pitch. With six minutes left, the game was tied, 36-36. The crowd came alive, the noise was unbelievable, while cheering for the Bearcats. The clock reached 60 seconds with the Bearcats down by two. The score is 48-47 Trojans with 30 seconds left on the clock. Bearcats have possession of the ball. Trey Anderson lined up to shoot, but the ball is stolen by the Trojans.

The last 10 seconds are a frenzied run to the end of the court, with the ‘Cats trying to steal back the ball and Trojans taking the defensive. The Trojans shoot one last time. The score ends at 50-47 in their favor.

After the game, Braden Schulte said, “Southeast is a really good basketball team. They have some great threats, and we proved we can play with a high caliber team. Now we just have to come out on top.”

Head coach Ryan Webber also commented,“The team got off to a slow start this year, but we have played better these past few games. We need to improve on defense and with our patience on offense.”

Braden Schulte was the top scorer of the boys’ game with 24 points. He was followed by Avery Haxton with 8 points, Hayden Rogers with 6, John Kyler with 4, Trey Anderson with 3 and Luke Sharp with 2.