After a hard-fought first half, the lack of production in the second half was the leading factor in the boys’ varsity basketball team’s 59-42 loss to Space Coast.

The Wildcats hosted the Vipers Monday at home in their second game after the winter tournaments, and  although the Wildcats had a 2-0 record against Space Coast, the Vipers struck first and outscored West Shore during every quarter for the rest of the game.

Senior center John Bond led the Wildcats with 13 points and seven rebounds.  Other notable contributors included sophomore guard Greg Taveras  with 7 points, four rebounds, three steals, senior guard Anthony Wattwood  with 6 points, three rebounds and three steals, and senior forward Justin Laneuville with 6 points, five rebounds and three steals.

Coach Tony Riopelle said the Cats’ execution lacked in nearly all aspects of the game.

“We really didn’t play well tonight,” he said. “Our defensive effort was lacking, and our execution on offense was poor.  The one area of the game that we did well tonight was rebounding.”

Neither senior guard Scott Adams nor senior guard Tommy Panouses played this game. Without Adams, the Cats lose their floor general, and without Panouses the team loses an element of shooting range.

The Wildcats dropped to 10-8 following their second consecutive loss and look to improve their season record on Thursday as they go on the road to Astronaut in Titusville.  The Cats are 1-0 vs the War Eagles on the season, and they recorded a 17-point victory in their last encounter.