The varsity boys’ basketball team’s season came to an end with a 70-27 loss to Melbourne Central Catholic the second round of the Class 5A District 7 playoffs Wednesday. The Wildcats finished their season short of .500, finishing at 11-14.

“I wouldn’t call this season a disappointment, considering we lost nearly the entire team last year”, sophomore Scott Maggio said. “Our size and inexperience was definitely a weakness, however we showed we can shoot the ball and run with almost anyone.”

The basketball team lost nine seniors after last season, which left the team with less experience and talent. Speaking of seniors, Tony Hedrick reflected on his final season of high school basketball.

“I’m disappointed we finished below .500, but hopefully our team can improve next year”, Hedrick said. “I enjoyed playing basketball, but I’m not going to continue in college, so this season was the last competitive basketball I will most likely ever play.”

This season was also senior Khalil Paul’s last. Paul averaged more than 11 points per game this season, and was both an offensive and defensive focal point.

“I thought this season went well given the fact we only had four returning varsity players,” junior Matt Marcinkowski said. “I think we played well our strengths, like giving Tony the ball on the inside and getting our best shooters open for threes.”

By Cullen Capaldi