The Warrenton Warriors boys basketball team overcame a 12-point third quarter deficit but ultimately fell to Hannibal in Monday’s district quarterfinal.
Warrenton fell to Hannibal 65-54 in Monday’s district semifinal at Warrenton High School.
“The team played hard and battled, but turnovers, shot selection and worrying about things you can’t control ultimately hurt our chances in the end,” Warrenton Coach Mark Thomas said.
Warrenton faced a 19-point deficit in the second quarter. The Warriors were able to trim the lead to 10 and trailed 35-25 at halftime.
Trailing 41-29 in the third quarter, the Warriors went on a 17-0 run to take the lead in the latter parts of the third quarter. After senior Joseph Evans converted a basket and a free throw into three points, sophomore Troy Anderson hit a three pointer to trim the lead to six points. After two missed Hannibal free throws, senior Kolby Meine scored a pair of baskets to trim the Hannibal lead to 41-39. After a Hannibal timeout, sophomore Tyler Oliver went on a personal 7-0 run to give Warrenton a five point lead. Oliver scored a pair of two-point baskets and hit a three point shot to give Warrenton a 46-41 lead. The Warriors’ lead was cut to two at the end of the third quarter after a foul of a three point shooter led to three made free throws.
“In the third we transitioned well and played our pace and shared the ball,” Thomas said. “When we play together and attack the rim we are more effective.”
Hannibal responded with a 19-3 run to start the fourth quarter to regain control of the game. After Hannibal tied the game at 46-46, senior Issiah Jones made a three-pointer to give Warrenton a 49-46 lead. Hannibal regained the lead 50-49 and never relinquished the lead.
Thomas cited multiple factors that led to the Warriors’ fourth quarter struggles. He noted they missed some opportunities early to expand the lead. Fouling allowed Hannibal to get easy points at the free throw line, he added.