After enduring a 73-52 season-ending loss to St. Charles West in the Class 4, District 7 opening game on March 3, Wright City coach Ken Brown reflected on the impact of his five senior players — Jersiah Higgins, Duan McRoberts, Kye Schnarre, Hunter Bohannan and AJ Simon.

“They’re fearless. Our seniors were the lifeblood of our team,” Brown said. “It’s easy to say this is one of our better senior classes.” 

Brown touted guards Higgins and McRoberts, who he said were consistently keeping the Wildcats in the game.

“I always tell them they have a tough assignment and they did a really good job of getting through things,” he said. “McRoberts is a three-year starter, it’s hard to see him go. Higgins is a really tough player. To see him grow from where he wasn’t getting playing time to becoming our leading scorer. He’s just a really fearless competitor.” 

Brown also praised the rest of the seniors for their toughness and significant roles on the team, adding that watching Schnarre go from a junior varsity player to a varsity starter has been a highlight. 

The Wildcats made it a forefront goal to make it past the first round of districts this year. Amped with energy, Wright City was able to take a 14-4 lead early in the game. However, the Warriors were able to take the lead, most notably in the second half and maintain it. 

“Our energy level was really high. The kids were really pumped and ready to play. We made some shots and our big guys were involved which got us going in the first half, ” Brown said. “We just kind of ran out of gas and couldn’t make our shots or get that extra rebound to come through down the stretch.” 

This was the second time Wright City faced the Warriors this season. In the first matchup, the Wildcats fell 60-27. 

“In the end, we showed that we can compete and that is going to be a part of our DNA,” Brown said. “We have a good senior class coming back next year and I’m very excited about that but it’s bittersweet because I have to see some tough seniors go.” 

Wright City ended the season with a 8-17 record. 

“I think the season started off slow for us, but we found our niche. Next year, we’ll hit the ground running and we’ll be better and ready to go,” Brown said.