The Emporia High boys basketball team made things interesting in its sub-state semifinal at Andover Central on Tuesday night.
Emporia High trailed 38-18 and used a 25-5 run to tie the game at 43 with under two minutes to play but could not get the lead in a 48-45 loss to the Jaguars.
Andover Central jumped out to a 15-6 lead after the first quarter and extended its lead to 32-13 at halftime. The Jaguars shot 70% from the field in the first and were 7-of-9 from the 3-point. Once the Jaguars pushed the lead to 38-18 late in the third quarter, the Spartans began to chip away using a 14-2 run the remainder 3:40 of the period to cut the deficit to 38-30 heading to the fourth. Andover Central extended its lead to 43-34 before Emporia High used a 9-0 run that was capped off by a 3-pointer by Rylan Crowell which tied the game at 43. Andover Central immediately gained the lead back at 45-43 and did not let the Spartans get it within one possession late.
Sheldon Stewart led Emporia High with 17 points while River Peters added 11. Emporia High coach Lee Baldwin said he’s proud of the Spartans’ effort in the second half.
Emporia High ends its season with a 13-8 record. The Spartans lose four seniors, Stewart, Cooper Rech, Blake Spellman and Calvin Seeley.
