RUSSELL — The No.5-seeded Ellsworth Bearcats competed in the first round of sub-state basketball Feb. 28.

The Cats entered the tournament with a 12-8 record and matched up against the fourth-seed Russell Broncos (13-7). It was a physical and intense game, but the Bearcats lost to the Broncos 42-36, ending the Cats’ season.

Starting off the first quarter the Broncos got the tip, having the Cats fall back into a box and one defense. After getting the ball, the Broncos went to a man-to-man defense. The Cats came out strong, having a small lead against the Broncs, ending the first quarter 9-6.

As the second quarter began, the Cats were once again ready to play. It was a good quarter as the team put 21 more points on the board. The Cats kept the Broncos to only 6 points in the second quarter, giving the Cats the advantage of being up at the half 21-12.

The Broncos came out and were ready to make it a close game. Getting several points off transitions, the Broncos fought their way, closing the gap in the score, but this didn’t stop the Cats as they outscored the Broncos again in the third quarter, ending 31-25.

When the fourth quarter started, both sides of the gym were full of excitement, cheering for their teams. The Broncos came out with some hot shooting, making several 3-point shots early on and taking the lead. Taking several timeouts between both teams, the energy in the gym grew. The Broncos put a lot of pressure on the guards, which made it difficult for them to score. As the Broncos were still up with a few minutes left in the quarter, the Cats decided to go to a manto-man defense. Even with their efforts, the Cats couldn’t get back the lead, and the final score was 42-36.

Will Cravens had 16 points for the night, Lane Rolfs 11, Riley Stone 8 and Isaac Lindsley 1.

“The game was really competitive and exhausting. We were up 9 at half but (we) got outscored in the second half,” Lindsley said. “After the game, I was just kinda sad because all the hard work we put in together as a team wasn’t enough and (I was) also just sad because I won’t be able to play with that team again.”

“Our mindset going into the game was to take an approach similar to the first time we played them,” Head Coach Brett Rolfs said. “We always try to get the kids to focus on being fundamentally sound and playing confident. The result of the game wasn’t what we were looking for, but I was proud of the kids’ effort.”

While the season ended with a 12-9 record and sub-state loss, team members said there were many positive things they reflected on over the course of the season.

“I learned that every day is an opportunity to get better,” Cade Gwinner said. “Our team could only get better if we pushed each other’s limits in practice. Basketball is a game where mental toughness plays a huge role in success, and that is where I feel I grew the most throughout the year. I enjoyed getting the opportunity to be an Ellsworth Bearcat for the past four years while making memories with my teammates that will last a lifetime.”

“I think we got better as a team and picked each other up and helped each other get out of rough patches that everyone has,” Stone said. “My individual goal for next year is to average double digits in points and rebounds.”

“I learned that to be a good basketball team, everyone on the team needs to know their role and do their role,” Cooper McGowan said. “I enjoyed playing and competing at a higher level.”

“For the season, we achieved some of our goals, but not all,” Rolfs said. “We lost several close games. I think we gained some valuable experience in the process, though. If we put the work in over the off-season and keep building on what we started this year, I believe we can make great strides next year.”