Linn coach John Viehland understands how difficult the year has been, but he’s also enthusiastic about the way the Wildcats are handling it.

“Last week was a good but tough,” he said. “Again, our schedule for a building team has been rough and tough. Going into the game against South Callaway, we did a lot correct and worked our butts off. We got a big game from Colton Leivian and Tony Peters. Seeing and winning on the little things is great stuff others may not see or understand, but we do. We give everything every night.”

After an opening frame saw Linn score eight points, the Wildcats found an offensive groove through the next two quarters, scoring 18 to make it a 30-26 halftime score, and 19 in the third to keep the pressure in a 67-55 loss.

Linn shot 46.9% overall, with three three-pointers and a 5-10 mark at the FT line on the night.

Leivian led the offense with 14 points, including a pair of treys, and T. Peters scored 11, as Gus Peters and Cody Heckman posted nine apiece, Dawson Sprenger, Craig Laughlin, and Peyton Peters (trey) added three each, and Aaron Starke put in two. G. Peters counted six assists to lead the team, as Laughlin added four, and Sprenger had two.

On the glass, T. Peters grabbed six boards, followed by Laughlin (5), G. Peters (4), Leivian (4), Sprenger (3), and Nash Tyree and P. Peters, each with one.

In addition to a block, T. Peters posted a steal; G. Peters added three steals, Starke claimed two, and Tyree added another.

Friday’s game at Tipton ended with a 65-37 loss.

“This was rough for both teams, with a lot of turnovers and missed shots,” Coach Viehland noted. “It’s tough going to places on senior night court warming and matching that level from other schools. We did not play our best game against Tipton, but have been fighting illness all season long.”

Linn trailed 19-3 after the first quarter but continued to battle, scoring 13-10 to win the second.

On the night, G. Peters hit a pair of three-pointers and led with 10 points, as Laughlin added seven, followed by Starke and Leivian (5 each), Sprenger (trey) and Heckman (3 apiece), and T. Peters and Tyree (2 each).

“We get better every time we step on the court,” said Viehland. “The sad part is the season is almost over. We gotta keep pushing and grinding.”