Linn’s JH boys team suffered a 58-25 loss to Eugene in Friday’s championship game of the Show-Me Conference tournament.

“In first half we played really well,” said Coach Clay Crouch. “We kept the turnovers down and we were in the game being down only seven. In the second half, their pressure got to us. We just couldn’t sustain that pressure for 24 minutes. It was a tough loss, but I couldn’t be more
proud of these kids. They fought until the final buzzer.

“These kids improved so much and having a 11-4 record and finishing runner-up is something to be proud of. It is a direct reflection of the work they have put in. I love these kids and had a blast coaching
them this season.”

Scoring was led by Noah Hall, who posted nine, as Lucas Collins and Zach
Hatfield each added six, Britt Winslow had three and Ashton Keilholz finished with one.

In the semifinal round, the Wildcats defeated St. Elizabeth 39-24.

“I was really proud of our players tonight,” said Crouch. “We still had a bitter taste in our mouth from losing to them last time so it was nice to play better.

We made some adjustments from last time we played them and our kids executed it well. Advancing to the championship is where we wanted to be. I think right now we are playing our best basketball.”

Winslow (13) and Hall (11) reached double figures as Hatfield put in eight,
Collins scored five and Jett Maasen added two.

To open the tournament, Linn knocked off Fatima