Fatima’s freshman boys’ basketball team finished second last week following a 69-57 loss to Dixon in the championship game of the Owensville tournament.

“Dixon is full of athletes, and they have a good group to build onto their varsity level,” said Coach Cooper Kleffner as the Comets trailed by 10 after the first two minutes and 23-13 at the start of the second quarter. “Once we got settled into the game, we kept clawing back at their lead.”

By the half, the Comets cut the lead to eight at 34-26. “We had our struggles handling the ball, but once we started playing confidently, we played right with them the whole game.”

At the start of the fourth, Fatima trailed by seven, 52-45, and continued to push. “We eventually lost, but this game was amazing for us because it showed that we can compete with good teams,” said Kleffner. “I am very proud of my team and how much they have improved throughout this season. Playing bigger schools all year truly has given us the toughness to compete against anyone. Our kids never give up. That’s a blessing to any coach at any level coach.”

Cash Mengwasser led a trio of double-digit scorers with 19, as Ty Brandt added 16, and Jackson Crede put in 13, followed by Trent Stuckenschneider (4) and Deacon Jones and Dylan Crowe (2 each).

In the semis, Fatima defeated St. James, 49-43.

“We came out ready to play in the first four minutes, but shortly after, we found ourselves in deep foul trouble with three starters sitting most of the second quarter,” said Kleffner. “They kept ball-pressuring us.”

Fatima trailed 24-21 at the half but started the second half down 10 in a hurry. “Instead of trying to beat the press, we started throwing outlets in transition and came back from a late 10-point deficit to win.”

Brandt’s 18 paced the squad as Mengwasser scored 11 and Stuckenschneider added 10, with Crede posting six and Jones finishing with four.