BURLINGTON - Even in heartbreaking defeat, Juda can hold its head up high.
Facing stalwart Burlington Catholic Central, the Panthers had chances to win at the end of all three deciding periods, but the ball just wouldn't find twine and the Hilltoppers prevailed 42-41 after two overtimes.
The loss ended the Panthers' season in the boys basketball Division 4 Edgerton Regional semifinals.
"They played like absolute champions," Panthers head coach Andy Werner said "They did all a coach could ask for."
Senior Greg Lynch had a pair of final shots roll off the cylinder that would've given Juda an upset. In the final overtime, a Lynch 3-pointer was short and his offensive rebound follow-up went off to teammates Elias Klar and Beau Benner. The two tried to coax the ball in together, but were too strong as they collectively missed the putback. Senior Kurtis Mansfield finished with a game-high 23 points.
"The seniors went out playing their best game of the year," Werner said. "The ball just wouldn't go in."
Facing stalwart Burlington Catholic Central, the Panthers had chances to win at the end of all three deciding periods, but the ball just wouldn't find twine and the Hilltoppers prevailed 42-41 after two overtimes.
The loss ended the Panthers' season in the boys basketball Division 4 Edgerton Regional semifinals.
"They played like absolute champions," Panthers head coach Andy Werner said "They did all a coach could ask for."
Senior Greg Lynch had a pair of final shots roll off the cylinder that would've given Juda an upset. In the final overtime, a Lynch 3-pointer was short and his offensive rebound follow-up went off to teammates Elias Klar and Beau Benner. The two tried to coax the ball in together, but were too strong as they collectively missed the putback. Senior Kurtis Mansfield finished with a game-high 23 points.
"The seniors went out playing their best game of the year," Werner said. "The ball just wouldn't go in."
