The Bearcats played a fastpaced game Friday night, Dec. 20, at home against Beloit but couldn’t overcome the Trojans, who left town with a 61-49 victory.

Beloit tipped the scale right off the bat by getting the tip-off to start the game. But fans didn’t count their Bearcats short and Avery Haxton scored the first points of the game to light up the score board, 2-0 Bearcats.

However, after a hard-fought first quarter Beloit led 11-7. Trey Anderson and Hayden Rogers took over from Haxton and both scored equally up to half, which ended with Beloit ahead 25-17.

The third quarter ended with Beloit leading 39-27.

During the second half, Haxton once again showed the crowd how a true Bearcat plays. In fact, the Bearcats as a team marched on, refusing to give up the game.

Haxton and Anderson worked hand-in-hand during the fourth quarter. Anderson drained three, 3 pointers. Haxton followed earning 7 points for the team in the last quarter. Together, team members scored 22 points in the fourth quarter alone, making it the high scoring quarter of the night. The Trojans also scored 22 points.

Haxton earned the title of highest Bearcat scorer with 21 points, one 3-pointer, seven 2 pointers and 4 free throws.

Trey Anderson scored three, 3-pointers, one 2-pointer and two free throws for a total of 13 points.

Hayden Rogers had three 2-pointers for 6 points. John Kyler hit one 3-pointer. Braden Schulte hit one 3-pointer. Luke Sharp had one 2-pointer and Jaxson Stefek had one free throw.

Lady ‘Cats, 36-49

On Friday night, the Lady Bearcats faced the Beloit Trojans at Ellsworth and came away with a loss, 49-36. Starting with a common theme for the night, Beloit got the tip, but the Lady ‘Cats fought hard to get it back.

Ellsworth’s Lakyn Tenbrink scored the first point of the night. Beloit fought the ‘Cats and scored 8 points in the first quarter. Beloit also scored the first free throw. The first quarter consisted of Lakyn Tenbrink’s 2 points and Beloit’s 8 points.

Up to the half, it was a slower paced game, both teams struggling to score. The half ended with a score of 9-19, Beloit on top.

The third quarter was faster paced and ended by being the highest scoring quarter for the Lady ‘Cats. Beloit slowly pulled ahead and maintained its lead. The third quarter ended with a score of 24-33 with Beloit still in the lead.

Emotions in the high school gym reached fever pitch, both sides yelling for their own team. The Lady ‘Cats showed their true grit and didn’t give up.

Individual statistics were unavailable.

Ellsworth returns to the hardwood Tuesday, Jan. 7, against Russell at Russell.

Ellsworth enters the conference game with an overall record of 1-4. Russell is 2-4.