HARTLAND — The Albany Comets entered the WIAA Division 5 playoffs as underdogs, but the team had been trending in the right direction. Despite a 2-22 regular season record, Albany’s final four games included two decided by just two points and another by eight. 

But in the first round on March 1, the Comets were knocked off by 3-seed University Lake School/Trinity Academy (16-6) by a final score of 68-46. 

Albany fell behind the Lakers 35-18 at halftime, and just couldn’t get back into the game in the second half. Sophomore sharpshooter Carson Brewer led the Comets with 29 points, while Tyler Anderson added nine.

The Lakers had four players in double figures, with Danny Mass leading the way with 21 points.

Catholic Central 57, Pecatonica 43

BURLINGTON — The Vikings fell behind 31-20 by halftime and couldn’t recover in their WIAA Division 5 playoff opener March 1.

Junior Coy Ruegsegger led Pecatonica (10-14) with 12 points, while seniors Kegun Brunker and Hunter Enloe finished with nine and seven points each. Sophomore guard Tyler McKeon added eight points.

Calahan Miles led Burlington Catholic Central (4-21) with 18 points.

Cambria-Friesland 85, Juda 46

CAMBRIA — The Juda Panthers (1-24) saw their season come to an end against Cambria-Friesland (17-8) on March 1.

The Hilltoppers had five players in double figures for scoring, led by Owen Jones with 18. Cambria-Friesland finished 7 of 28 from 3-point range and hit 30 of 80 shots in the game — many of which second chance opportunities. The Hilltoppers grabbed 41 rebounds while adding 16 steals to just nine turnovers.

Juda trailed 45-17 at halftime and were outscored 40-29 in the second half.

In other area WIAA Division 5 playoff action on March 1, Barneveld knocked off Six Rivers East rival Black Hawk 59-49, while Argyle lost to Madison Abundant Life/St. Ambrose 51-35.