MAZOMANIE - A shot took a bad bounce and Wisconsin Heights senior Marcus Caminiti scored on a putback and converted a three-point play at the foul line with 1.8 seconds to go to stun Darlington 52-51 in a WIAA Division 4 regional semifinal Friday.
With the Redbirds leading by two points, Wisconsin Heights senior Billy Boutelle shot a 17-foot jumper from the baseline. The ball grazed the rim and Caminiti was there for the offensive rebound and converted the conventional three-point play to win it.
"The rims were tight all night," Darlington coach Mike Hopkins said. "It was a disappointing ending. It was a sad to end it like that because we were in control of the game. I told them after the game they have nothing to hang their heads about. They played their hearts out."
After trailing in the first quarter, Darlington was able to hold off the Wisconsin Heights offense in the second quarter, and by halftime, the Redbirds held on to a one-point lead. The two teams traded buckets throughout the third quarter, and once again Darlington was able to slightly increase their lead to four points entering the fourth quarter.
Unfortunately, the Vanguards carved away into Darlington's lead, and as the game came closed, Wisconsin Heights pulled out the victory.
Junior Cole McDonald had a game-high 24 points for the Redbirds. Ben Muhlstein added 13 points. McDonald was a perfect 8 of 8 from the free throw line.
Wisconsin Heights' Tyler Barman, who was the Vanguards' leading scorer (10.5 ppg) entering the game, fouled out.
"Our plan was to take it to them and get them in foul trouble," Hopkins said.
Darlington finished the season 12-12 and will have several players from an unbeaten junior varsity team competing for varsity spots next season.
Cassville 57, Pecatonica 40
CASSVILLE - The Vikings saw their season come to an end Friday, as they lost to the second-ranked Comets 57-40.
Unable get the ball rolling, Pecatonica fell behind early and trailed by 13 points at halftime. The deficit proved to be too much to overcome as the Vikings couldn't outscore the Comets in the second half.
A.J. Hendrickson had 15 points for the Vikings. Drew Schliem added 10 points.
Pecatonica ends the season with a 12-11 overall record.
Mineral Point 64, New Glarus 52
MINERAL POINT - The Glarner Knights came close to taking down the No. 1 seed Mineral Point boys basketball team in their Friday playoff game, but the host Pointers used a 28-point fourth quarter to prevent the upset.
The Knights took the lead in the second quarter, and at halftime held a one-point advantage. Mineral Point tied the game at 36 after the third quarter, but as the fourth quarter approached, the Pointers picked up the pace and for the win.
Mineral Point (23-0, 14-0) went 22 of 26 from the free throw line, compared to only three free throws for New Glarus. Kyle Larson scored a game-high 19 points for the Knights in the loss.
With the Redbirds leading by two points, Wisconsin Heights senior Billy Boutelle shot a 17-foot jumper from the baseline. The ball grazed the rim and Caminiti was there for the offensive rebound and converted the conventional three-point play to win it.
"The rims were tight all night," Darlington coach Mike Hopkins said. "It was a disappointing ending. It was a sad to end it like that because we were in control of the game. I told them after the game they have nothing to hang their heads about. They played their hearts out."
After trailing in the first quarter, Darlington was able to hold off the Wisconsin Heights offense in the second quarter, and by halftime, the Redbirds held on to a one-point lead. The two teams traded buckets throughout the third quarter, and once again Darlington was able to slightly increase their lead to four points entering the fourth quarter.
Unfortunately, the Vanguards carved away into Darlington's lead, and as the game came closed, Wisconsin Heights pulled out the victory.
Junior Cole McDonald had a game-high 24 points for the Redbirds. Ben Muhlstein added 13 points. McDonald was a perfect 8 of 8 from the free throw line.
Wisconsin Heights' Tyler Barman, who was the Vanguards' leading scorer (10.5 ppg) entering the game, fouled out.
"Our plan was to take it to them and get them in foul trouble," Hopkins said.
Darlington finished the season 12-12 and will have several players from an unbeaten junior varsity team competing for varsity spots next season.
Cassville 57, Pecatonica 40
CASSVILLE - The Vikings saw their season come to an end Friday, as they lost to the second-ranked Comets 57-40.
Unable get the ball rolling, Pecatonica fell behind early and trailed by 13 points at halftime. The deficit proved to be too much to overcome as the Vikings couldn't outscore the Comets in the second half.
A.J. Hendrickson had 15 points for the Vikings. Drew Schliem added 10 points.
Pecatonica ends the season with a 12-11 overall record.
Mineral Point 64, New Glarus 52
MINERAL POINT - The Glarner Knights came close to taking down the No. 1 seed Mineral Point boys basketball team in their Friday playoff game, but the host Pointers used a 28-point fourth quarter to prevent the upset.
The Knights took the lead in the second quarter, and at halftime held a one-point advantage. Mineral Point tied the game at 36 after the third quarter, but as the fourth quarter approached, the Pointers picked up the pace and for the win.
Mineral Point (23-0, 14-0) went 22 of 26 from the free throw line, compared to only three free throws for New Glarus. Kyle Larson scored a game-high 19 points for the Knights in the loss.
